Quantitative vs Qualitative Research - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes about quantitative research, its comparison with qualitative research, research designs, sampling, data analysis, and related concepts.

Quantitative research

A research approach that uses numeric data and statistics to gather, analyze, and interpret data; aims for objectivity, reliability, precision, and generalizability; often uses deductive reasoning to test hypotheses.

Qualitative research

An approach focused on understanding thoughts, experiences, and meanings through non-numeric data; seeks in-depth insights and context; data are usually verbal or visual and analysis is more subjective.

Deductive reasoning

Reasoning from general theory or premises to specific, testable predictions; commonly used in quantitative research to test hypotheses.

Generalizability

The extent to which findings from a sample can be applied to the broader population.

Objectivity

Minimizing researcher bias so results are independent of personal views.

Subjectivity

Analysis and interpretation influenced by the researcher’s personal experiences and perspectives.

Verbal language

Data expressed in words, narratives, or visuals (typical of qualitative data).

Numerals

Data expressed as numbers or statistics (typical of quantitative data).

Statistics

Numerical measures used to describe data (descriptive) or infer population properties (inferential).

Descriptive statistics

Measures that summarize data, such as mean, median, mode, and frequency.

Inferential statistics

Methods to draw conclusions about a population from sample data (e.g., t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA).

Replicability

Ability for other researchers to obtain similar results using the same methods.

Experimental research

A study that manipulates variables and tests hypotheses in a controlled environment to observe effects.

True experimental design

An experimental design with random assignment, control group, and often pretest and posttest to establish cause-effect relationships.

Quasi-experimental research

Experimental-like designs that manipulate an independent variable but do not use random assignment; use non-equivalent groups.

Non-experimental research

Describes data and examines relationships without manipulating variables; includes descriptive, comparative, and correlational studies.

Descriptive research

Non-experimental design focusing on describing factors and phenomena as they occur, using descriptive statistics.

Comparative research

Non-experimental design comparing two or more groups to assess potential causation or differences and infer possible causation.

Correlational research

Non-experimental design that examines the relationship between two variables; correlation indicates association but not causation.

Independent variable

The variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect.

Dependent variable

The outcome variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Random sampling (RS)

Selecting participants by chance so every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.

Purposive sampling

Deliberately selecting participants based on specific criteria relevant to the research question.

Pretest

Measurement taken before the experimental treatment to establish a baseline.

Posttest

Measurement taken after the treatment to assess effects.

Posttest-only controlled group design

Experimental design with a treatment and control group, measured only after the intervention (no pretest).

Pretest-Posttest Controlled Group Design

Experimental design with both pretest and posttest measurements and randomized assignment to groups.

Solomon Four Group

An experimental design with four groups to control for pretest effects and test for pretest impact.

Time-series design

Design with periodic observations over time to detect trends or effects.

Triangulation

Using multiple approaches (qualitative and quantitative) to strengthen research conclusions.

Reliability

Consistency of a measurement across time or items.

Control variable

A variable kept constant or used to isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Randomization

Random assignment of participants to groups to reduce bias and ensure equivalence at the start.

Hypothesis testing

Process of using data to determine whether the observed effects support or refute a proposed hypothesis.