Understanding Research Methodology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the research methodology lecture notes provided.

Research

A careful study or investigation of a particular topic for the purpose of finding out new information or facts.

Sampling

The process of selecting individuals or groups from a larger population to participate in a research study.

Validity

The degree to which a research study accurately measures what it claims to measure.

Reliability

The consistency of a research study's results over time.

Methodology

The methods and procedures used by a researcher to collect and analyze data.

Descriptive statistics

Statistical methods that summarize the characteristics of a sample.

Inferential statistics

Statistical procedures that use data from a sample to make inferences about a larger population.

Qualitative research

Research that focuses on understanding human behavior and experiences through interviews and observations.

Quantitative research

Research that focuses on quantifying relationships and phenomena using statistical methods.

Population

The entire group of individuals or subjects to which a researcher wants to generalize findings.

Sample

A subset of a population selected for participation in a research study.

Thesis statement

A summary of the main point or claim of a research paper, typically included at the end of the introduction.

Literature review

An overview of existing research on a specific topic that informs the context of the current study.

Questionnaire

A written instrument consisting of a series of questions or statements designed to gather information from respondents.

Closed-ended questions

Survey questions that provide respondents with specific options to choose from, facilitating quantitative analysis.

Open-ended questions

Survey questions that allow respondents to answer in their own words, providing qualitative insights.

Research problem

The central issue or area of concern that a researcher wants to address within their study.

Findings

The results and insights gained from conducting a research study.

Abstract

A brief summary of a research paper, highlighting the main objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

APA style

A set of rules and guidelines for writing and citing sources in academic papers, commonly used in the social sciences.

Statistical analysis

The process of applying statistical methods to data in order to summarize, interpret, and draw conclusions.

Data collection

The process of gathering information from various sources to answer the research questions.

Interviews

A qualitative data collection method where information is obtained through direct, often structured, conversations with participants.