Kin 232: Research Methods, Ethics, and Public Health Physical Activity

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering research worldviews, ethics, public health interventions, message framing, power dynamics, and social support from the lecture notes.

Logical (Characteristic of Research)

Constructed and presented in such a way that others can evaluate the conclusion drawn from it.

Empirical

Based on data.

Reductive (Characteristic of Research)

The data can be used to establish more general relationships.

Replicable

The research process is recorded in such a way that others can repeat or build on the research.

Postpositivism

A philosophical worldview based on the notion of a single reality and objective truth.

Constructivism

A philosophical worldview based on the notion of multiple realities and meanings as varied and multiple.

Transformative Worldview

A philosophical worldview focused on action and reform that might change the lives of the participants in the study.

Pragmatism

A philosophical worldview based on the notion that research needs to be concerned with 'what works' and solutions to problems.

Two-Eyed Seeing

A philosophical worldview based on the notion that research needs to recognize that there are diverse ways of understanding.

Quantitative Research

Research emanating from a postpositivist philosophical worldview used for theory testing, describing the status of variables, and looking at relations among variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that the researcher is manipulating.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is potentially affected by the independent variable.

Qualitative Research

Research conducted for the purpose of exploring and understanding meanings ascribed by individuals or groups.

Observation (Data Collection)

Noting a phenomenon in the field setting through the senses of the observer.

Mixed Methods Research

An approach to research combining both quantitative and qualitative forms of research.

Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Research seeking solutions to areas of concern by working directly with the people attached to the targeted areas.

Ethics

A branch of philosophy that is the study of how we ought to live.

Autonomy

The freedom to make one's own choices and take actions based on one's own personal values and beliefs.

Nonmaleficence

The obligation not to inflict harm upon others.

Beneficence

The obligation to act for the benefits of others.

Justice

The fair, equitable, and appropriate treatment of others.

Fidelity

Fulfilling one's responsibilities of trust.

Veracity

Refers to truthfulness.

Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity

Physical activity that causes a person to sweat a little bit and breathe harder, causing a noticeable increase in heart rate.

Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity

Physical activity that causes sweating, a feeling of being 'out of breath', and a substantial increase in heart rate.

Rose's Prevention Paradox

A preventive measure that brings large benefits to the community offers little to each participating individual.

High-Risk Strategy

An approach to preventive medicine that views illness as a personal event and targets high-risk individuals to reduce exposure or protect against future complications.

Population Strategy

A public health-oriented approach to preventive medicine that controls the underlying determinants of ill health to reduce population incidence rates.

Downstream Interventions

Individual-level interventions for those who possess a risk factor or suffer from risk-related disease/conditions, focusing on changing rather than preventing health-damaging behavior.

Midstream Interventions

Population-level interventions targeting defined populations through organizational channels for changing and/or preventing health-damaging behaviors.

Upstream Interventions

Public policies or environmental ('blanket') interventions designed to strengthen social norms and supports for healthy behavior.

Self-Efficacy

An individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

Messages (Physical Activity)

All the information to be conveyed to the public, including physical activity guidelines, benefits, and ways to be active.

Messaging (Physical Activity)

The process of getting the health message to the public.

Gain-Framed Message

A health message that emphasizes the benefits of adopting physical activity behavior.

Loss-Framed Message

A health message that emphasizes the costs of failing to adopt physical activity behavior.

Social Influence

Real or imagined pressure to change one's behavior, attitude, or beliefs.

Legitimate Power

Power based on one's socially sanctioned claim to a position/role that gives them the right to require and demand compliance.

Expert Power

Power derived from subordinates' assumption that the power holder possesses superior skills and abilities.

Reward Power

Power derived from having control over the distribution of rewards given to individuals.

Coercive Power

Power derived from having the ability to punish or threaten others who do not comply with requests or demands.

Referent Power

Power based on one's identification with, attraction to, or respect for the power holder.

Social Support

The perceived comfort, caring, assistance, and information that a person receives from others.

Instrumental Support

Social support that includes tangible, practical assistance that will help a person achieve goals.

Emotional Support

Social support occurring through expressions of encouragement, caring, empathy, and concern towards a person.

Informational Support

Social support that includes giving directions, advice, suggestions, and feedback regarding progress.

Companionship Support

Social support reflecting the availability of persons within one's social network that produces a positive effect.

Validation Support

Social support involving comparing oneself with others in order to gauge progress and confirm that one's experiences are normal.

Conformity

A change in behavior or belief toward a group as a result of real or imagined pressure from a group.

Behavioral Reactance

Responding in a direction opposite to the direction being advocated when individuals perceive significant others are exerting control rather than support.

Modeling

Observational learning involving changing behaviors as a result of observing others.