Common Terminologies in Research

Vocabulary flashcards based on common terminologies in research for exam preparation.

Abstract

A concise summary of the key points of a research paper, including the purpose of the study, methodology, results, and conclusions.

Literature Review

A comprehensive survey of existing research and publications relevant to a particular topic or research question.

Hypothesis

A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Methodology

The systematic plan or approach used to conduct research, including design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.

Sample

A subset of the population selected for the study, representative of the larger population.

Variable

An element, feature, or factor that can be measured or manipulated in research, categorized as independent or dependent.

Data Collection

The process of gathering information from various sources to use in the research study.

Data Analysis

The process of systematically applying statistical and logical techniques to describe, summarize, and compare data.

Results

The findings of the research study, presented clearly and concisely, often including tables and graphs.

Discussion

The section of a research paper where results are interpreted and implications discussed.

Conclusion

A summary of the research findings and their significance, often including a restatement and implications.

References/Bibliography

A list of all the sources cited in the research paper.

Peer Review

A process where other experts evaluate a research paper before it is published for validity and originality.

Ethics in Research

Guidelines designed to protect the rights and well-being of research participants.

Qualitative Research

A research method that collects and analyzes non-numerical data to understand concepts or experiences.

Quantitative Research

A research method that collects and analyzes numerical data to identify patterns or relationships.

Mixed Methods Research

An approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Validity

The extent to which a research study measures what it intends to measure, including internal and external validity.

Reliability

The consistency and stability of the measurements used in a research study.

Control Group

In experimental research, a group that does not receive the treatment being studied.

Experimental Group

In experimental research, the group that receives the treatment being studied.

Blind/Double-Blind Study

A study design in which participants or both participants and researchers do not know who receives treatment.

Random Sampling

A method of selecting a sample so that each individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

Significance Level (p-value)

A statistical measure to determine whether results are due to chance, often with a threshold of p < 0.05.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method involving the systematic study of people and cultures through immersion.

Case Study

A detailed examination of a single instance or event, used to explore complex issues.

Longitudinal Study

Research that follows the same subjects over time to observe changes.

Cross-Sectional Study

Research that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical technique that combines results of multiple studies to identify overall effects.

Systematic Review

A comprehensive review following a structured methodology to synthesize relevant studies.

Peer Review Process

Evaluation of a research paper by experts before publication.

Primary Research

Original research conducted to gather new data.

Secondary Research

Research that synthesizes existing studies to draw conclusions.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information that provides insights into underlying reasons and motivations.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically.

Research Design

The overall strategy used to conduct research, including methods and approaches.

Sampling Method

The technique used to select individuals from a population for study.

Statistical Significance

A determination that the results observed in research are unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Operational Definition

A clear description of how variables are measured or manipulated in a study.

Research Ethics

Moral principles guiding researchers to protect participants and ensure integrity.

Confidentiality

The right of participants to have their personal information protected.

Informed Consent

The process of ensuring participants understand the study before agreeing to participate.

Systematic Sampling

A method where researchers select every nth individual from a list.

Stratified Sampling

A sampling method that involves dividing the population into subgroups and sampling from each.

Variable Control

Ensuring that all variables other than the independent variable are kept constant.

Field Experiment

A study conducted in a real-world setting as opposed to a controlled environment.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.

Longitudinal Design

A research design involving repeated observations of the same variables over time.

Cross-Sectional Design

A research design analyzing data at a single point in time.

Psycho-social Research

Research focusing on psychological and social factors affecting individuals.

Factorial Design

An experimental setup with two or more independent variables.

Causal Relationship

A relationship implying that one variable directly affects another.

Descriptive Study

Research aimed at providing an accurate account of characteristics of a phenomenon.

Correlational Study

Research that explores the relationship between variables without implying causation.

T-test

A statistical test used to compare means between two groups.

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

A statistical method used to compare the means of three or more groups.

Qualitative Analysis

The process of analyzing non-numerical data to identify patterns.

Statistical Analysis

The application of statistical techniques to summarize and interpret data.

Explanatory Research

Research conducted to explain the reasons or mechanisms underlying a phenomenon.

Exploratory Research

Initial research conducted to clarify the scope of a problem.

Health Research

Studies focused on health-related topics and health outcomes.

Education Research

Research geared toward understanding and improving educational practices.

Marketing Research

The study of markets and consumers to optimize marketing strategies.

Social Science Research

Studies focusing on human behavior and societies.

Demographic Study

Research examining the characteristics of populations.

Survey Research

Collecting data on opinions or behaviors through questionnaires or interviews.

Predictive Study

Research that uses existing data to predict future outcomes.

Research Proposal

A document proposing a research project, outlining objectives and methodology.

Fieldwork

Practical work conducted by a researcher in the natural environment.