AP Research Methods Terminology

Action Research

Action Research

Participatory - problem identification, solution, solution review

Case Study Research

Observation of a specific group to determine how and why a situation exists within that group

Causal-Comparative Research

Identify causal relationship among variables that can’t be controlled

Content Analysis

Analyze texts and make inferences

Correlational Research

Collect data and determine level of correlation between variables

Critical Incident Technique

Identification of determining incident of a critical event

Delphi Research

Analysis of expert knowledge to forecast future events

Descriptive Research

Study of “as is” phenomena

Ethnographic Research

Observation of a specific cultural group to identify patterns and trends

Evaluation Research

Study the effectiveness of an intervention or program

Experimental Research

Study the effect of manipulating a variable or variables

Grounded Theory Research

Produce a theory that explains a process based on observation

Hermeneutic Research

Study the meaning of subjects/texts by concentrating on the historical meaning of the experience and its developmental and cumulative effects on the individual and society

Historical Research

Historical data collection and analysis of person or organization

Meta-analysis Research

Seek patterns in data collected by many existing studies and formulate principals

Narrative Research

Study of a single person’s experiences

Needs Assessment

Systematic process of determining the needs of a defined demographic population

Phenomenology

Make sense of lived experiences of participants regarding a specific phenomenon

Quasi-Experimental

Manipulation of variables in populations without benefit of random assignment or control group

Repertory Grid Analysis

Interview process to determine how a person interprets the meaning of an experience

Trend Analysis Research

Formulate a forecast based on the regression analysis of data

True Experimental Research

Structured research with isolated variables and controls

Mixed-Methods Research

Researchers collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data within the same study

Inductive

A method of drawing conclusions by going from the specific to the general

Deductive

Logical approach where you progress from general ideas to specific conclusions.

Positivism

Meaning a posteriori facts derived by reason and logic from sensory experience. Other ways of knowing, such as intuition, introspection, or religious faith, are rejected or considered meaningless.

Phenomenology

Exploring the lived experiences of women undergoing breast biopsy or the lived experiences of family members waiting for a loved one undergoing major surgery.

Exploratory

A methodology approach that investigates research questions that have not previously been studied in depth

Conclusive

Meant to provide information that is useful in reaching conclusions or decision-making.