Research Methodology and Design

Flashcards to aid in understanding key research methodology concepts and definitions for exam preparation.

What is Research?

A systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge/understanding of the subject studied.

Evidence-Based Practice

Quality of care depends on our ability to make choices that have been confirmed by scientific data.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process where general premises are used to make specific predictions or conclusions.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process where specific observations are used to infer general principles.

Scientific Method

A systematic, empirical, controlled, and critical examination of hypothetical propositions about associations among natural phenomena.

Basic Research

Research conducted to gain new knowledge for its own sake.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving practical problems in the real world.

Experimental Research

Minimizes bias by randomization, manipulating one or more variables.

Quasi-Experimental Research

Research that resembles experimental research but lacks randomization due to practical constraints.

Non-Experimental Research

Research that does not involve manipulation of variables; observational and descriptive.

Qualitative Research

Research focusing on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to understand context.

Quantitative Research

Research that involves validating or testing a hypothesis with numerical data.

Mixed Methods Research

Combines both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

A statement asserting that there is no significant difference or effect.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

A statement asserting that there is a significant difference or effect.

Confounding Variables

Variables that are related to both the exposure/treatment and the outcome, which can bias results.

Construct Validity

The degree to which a test or instrument measures the theoretical concept it intends to measure.

Criterion Validity

How well one measure predicts outcomes based on another measure.

Sampling Error

The error in statistics that arises due to the use of a sample instead of the entire population.

Probability Sampling

Sampling method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Non-Probability Sampling

Sampling method where not all individuals have a chance of being included in the sample.

Type 1 Error

False positive result; rejecting a true null hypothesis.

Type 2 Error

False negative result; failing to reject a false null hypothesis.

Reliability

The consistency and stability of a measure over time.

Validity

The degree to which a tool measures what it purports to measure.

Inferential Statistics

Statistics that enable conclusions to be drawn about a population based on sample data.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistics that summarize and describe the features of a dataset.

Confidence Interval (CI)

A range of values that is likely to contain the population parameter with a given level of confidence.