Research Methodology Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, classifications, variable types, and concepts from Chapters 1 and 2 of the Research Methodology lecture.

Descriptive Studies

Studies designed primarily to describe what exists.

Causal Study

Correlational research used to predict trends or patterns.

Systematic Research

Research that follows an orderly and sequential procedure using organized steps.

Controlled Research

Research where all variables except those being tested are kept constant.

Empirical Research

Research where all procedures used and data gathered are perceived in the same manner by observers through observable evidence.

Research

The creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies, and understandings.

Exploratory Research

Research conducted when there are few or no earlier studies to reference, focusing on gaining insights and familiarity for more rigorous investigation later.

Descriptive Research (Purpose)

Research used to identify and obtain information about the characteristics of a particular issue by examining and describing what exists.

Analytical Research (Purpose)

A continuation of descriptive research where the researcher goes beyond describing characteristics to analyze and explain why or how something is happening.

Predictive Research

Research that forecasts the likelihood of a similar situation occurring elsewhere and provides answers concerning current and future events.

Illuminative Research

Research concerned with the interaction of the components of the variable being investigated.

Quantitative Research

Research aimed at measuring quantity or amount, comparing it with past records, projecting for future periods, and employing mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses.

Qualitative Research

Research involving the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data by observing what people do and say, focusing on meanings, definitions, characteristics, symbols, metaphors, and descriptions.

Phenomenology

A form of qualitative research where the researcher attempts to understand how one or more individuals experience a phenomenon, focusing on lived experiences.

Ethnography

Qualitative research focusing on describing the culture of a group of people, including shared attributes, values, norms, practices, language, and material things.

Case Study

A form of qualitative research focused on providing a detailed account of one or more specific cases.

Grounded Theory

An inductive type of qualitative research based on observations and data from which a theory is developed.

Applied Research

A problem-oriented type of research concerned with applying scientific theory to real-life problems to solve a specific problem requiring a decision.

Pure/Basic Research

Research conducted primarily to improve understanding of general issues without emphasis on immediate application, aiming to expand knowledge.

Discovery

A type of basic research where a totally new idea or explanation emerges from empirical research and may revolutionize thinking about the topic.

Invention

A type of basic research where a new technique or method is created.

Reflection

A type of basic research where an existing theory, technique, or group of ideas is re-examined, possibly in a different organizational or social context.

Action Research

Research in which the researcher deliberately interferes with or changes what is being researched, participating directly in the change process.

Analytical Approach

An approach in which the researcher attempts to identify and isolate the components of the research situation, focusing on individual parts.

Holistic Approach

An approach where the researcher begins with the total situation, focusing attention on the system first and then on its internal relationships as a whole.

Historical Research

Research categorized by time element that describes what WAS.

Descriptive Research (Time Element)

Research categorized by time element that describes what IS.

Experimental Research

Research categorized by time element that describes what WILL BE.

Dependent Variable (DV)

A measurable characteristic that shows the effect of manipulating or introducing the independent variable, representing the effect or outcome.

Independent Variable (IV)

A variable that the researcher controls through manipulation or introduction, expected to have an effect on the dependent variable, representing the cause or input.

Intervening Variable

Abstract processes that are not directly observable but link the independent and dependent variables as a bridge or mediator.

Moderator Variable

A measured variable that affects the relationship between independent and dependent variables by modifying the effect of the intervening variable.

Control Variable

A variable held constant, neutralized, or eliminated so that it does not have a biasing effect on other variables.

Extraneous Variable

Uncontrolled factors in the research environment that may affect the dependent variable and potentially damage study validity.

Research Problem

A statement about an area of concern, condition to be improved, difficulty to be eliminated, or troubling question that points to the need for deliberate investigation.

Elements of a Research Problem

The five core components of a research problem: Aim/Purpose, Subject Matter, Place/Locale, Period/Time, and Population/Universe.

Working Research Title

A title developed early in the research process to anchor focus and reorient the researcher if drifting away from the topic.

Theoretical Framework

The structure that holds or supports a study's theory, introducing and describing the theoretical basis that explains why the research problem exists.

Conceptual Framework

An analytical tool visually explaining key concepts, variables, and relationships using a schematic diagram based on the researcher's own model.

Statement of the Problem

The verbalization of the question the study proposes to answer, setting the direction of the study through a main problem and subsidiary problems.

Null Hypothesis ($H_0$)

A hypothesis stated in a negative manner, usually stating that there is no significant difference or relationship.

Operational/Alternative Hypothesis ($H_a$)

A hypothesis stated in the affirmative, expressing equality or relationship between phenomena.

Scope

Details indicating how in-depth a study explores a research question and the specific parameters regarding what the study covers.

Delimitations

Boundaries deliberately set by the researcher regarding study duration, population size, or participant types to specify what is excluded.

Limitations

Characteristics of the research design or methodology outside the researcher's control that influence findings and represent potential weaknesses.

Significance of the Study

The section detailing the importance of the research and explaining how it will benefit science, society, the field, or specific groups.

Operational Definition

A functional definition explaining a concept according to how it is measured or experimentally manipulated in a specific investigation.

Operationalization

The process of strictly defining fuzzy concepts into exact, measurable factors.