research methods

Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Ways to obtain information such as reviews, opinions, and observations.

Non Scientific Approaches

Methods that may not be strictly scientific but can be useful when integrated appropriately.

Method of Tenacity

Trusting information simply because it has been believed for a long time.

Method of Intuition

Relying on gut feelings or hunches to determine knowledge.

Method of Authority

Accepting information from a perceived expert without question.

Rational Method

Using logical reasoning to draw conclusions from premises.

Empiricism

Acquiring knowledge through direct observation or personal experience.

Scientific Method

A systematic procedure combining observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing general conclusions from a small set of specific observations.

Deductive Reasoning

Using general statements to reach a conclusion about specific instances.

Descriptive Research

Research aimed at describing characteristics of a specific variable or phenomenon.

Correlational Research

Measuring relationships between two or more variables without manipulation.

Experimental Research

Research designed to test cause and effect by manipulating independent variables.

Variables

Factors that can change and have different values or types.

Hypothesis

A statement that describes or explains a relationship between variables.

Operational Definitions

Precise definitions used to measure constructs in research.

Valid Measurement

A measure accurately assesses the variables it claims to measure.

Reliability

Consistency of a measure; similar results should be obtained under the same conditions.

Ethical Considerations in Research

The obligation of researchers to respect the rights and welfare of research participants.

Informed Consent

Participants must be fully informed about the study and able to voluntarily decide to participate.

Deception in Research

Withholding information from participants or misleading them regarding the study.

Debriefing

Providing participants with information about the study after their involvement.

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study can establish a causal relationship between variables.

Third-variable Problem

A situation where an external, unaccounted variable influences the relationship between two variables.

Inferential Statistics

Statistical methods used to draw conclusions about populations based on sample data.

Type 1 Error

Concluding there is a significant effect when none exists (false positive).

Type 2 Error

Failing to detect a significant effect when it actually exists (false negative).

Factorial Designs

Experiments with two or more independent variables to assess individual and interactive effects.

Main Effects

The direct effect of an independent variable on the dependent variable.

Interaction Effect

When two independent variables influence the dependent variable differently than each alone.

Qualitative Research

Research exploring meaning and understanding of phenomena through non-numerical data.

Quantitative Research

Research that involves numerical data to measure variables and relationships.

Mixed Methods

Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in research.

Primary Sources

Original research reports providing firsthand accounts of studies.

Secondary Sources

Reports discussing existing research findings, not original research.

Literature Review

Survey of existing research to inform new studies and highlight knowledge gaps.

Variables: Independent vs Dependent

Independent variables are manipulated, while dependent variables are measured for changes.

APA Style Writing

A specific format for writing research manuscripts, including citation and reference styles.

Privacy and Confidentiality in Research

Protecting participants' sensitive information and identities during a study.

Plagiarism in Research

The act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution.

Pilot Study

A small preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility and design of a larger study.

Survey Research

A method of gathering information through questionnaires or interviews.

Case Study Research

In-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases.

Observation Methods

Techniques for recording behavior in natural or controlled settings.

Sampling Techniques

Methods used to select individuals from a population for research studies.

Snowball Sampling

A non-probability sampling technique where existing participants recruit further participants.

Correlational Strength

Indicates the strength and direction (positive or negative) of a relationship between variables.

Statistical Significance

The likelihood that a correlation or effect observed in a study is not due to chance.