AP Research Terms
1. Triangulation
Using multiple methods, data sources, theories, or researchers to cross-check and validate findings, increasing the credibility and reliability of the results.
2. Sampling Techniques
Methods used to select participants or cases from a population. Common types include random sampling, stratified sampling, and convenience sampling.
3. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data
Qualitative: Non-numeric data that explores themes, meanings, and descriptions (e.g., interviews, open-ended surveys).
Quantitative: Numeric data that can be measured and statistically analyzed (e.g., test scores, percentages).
4. Mixed Methodology
A research design that combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a problem.
5. Gap
An area in the existing literature or research that has not been explored or sufficiently addressed, which your research seeks to fill.
6. Confounding Variable
An external factor that might influence both the independent and dependent variables, potentially affecting the validity of the results.
7. Likert Scale
A common survey tool that measures attitudes or opinions on a scale (e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).
8. Informed Consent
A process by which participants are fully informed about the research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, and voluntarily agree to participate.
9. Literature Review
A summary and synthesis of existing research on a topic, used to establish context, justify the research question, and identify gaps.
10. Primary vs. Secondary Data
Primary Data: Data collected firsthand by the researcher (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
Secondary Data: Existing data collected by others (e.g., databases, articles, government reports).
11. APA Format
A citation style developed by the American Psychological Association used for formatting papers and citing sources in research.
12. Alignment
The logical connection between the research question, method, data collection, and analysis—ensuring all parts of the project work together coherently.
13. Implications
The broader significance or consequences of your findings for theory, practice, policy, or future research.
14. Limitations
Factors beyond the researcher's control that may affect the study’s results or generalizability (e.g., sample size, time constraints).
15. Delimitations
Choices made by the researcher to narrow the scope of the study (e.g., focusing on a specific population, timeframe, or setting).
16. Assumptions
Things the researcher accepts as true without proof, often necessary for the study to proceed (e.g., assuming participants answer honestly).
17. Protected Population
Groups that require special ethical consideration due to vulnerability, such as minors, prisoners, or individuals with disabilities.
18. Replicability
The ability for a study to be repeated by others and produce similar results, demonstrating reliability.
19. Institutional Review Board (IRB)
A committee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met.
20. Inquiry Proposal Form
An official AP Research document used to propose a research project and gain approval from the teacher and AP Program before conducting the study.
21. Coding
A process in qualitative research where data (like interview transcripts) is organized into categories or themes for analysis.
22. Data Collection vs. Data Analysis
Data Collection: The process of gathering information for your study (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews).
Data Analysis: The process of interpreting the collected data to find patterns, relationships, or insights.
23. Operational Definitions
Specific explanations of how concepts or variables are measured or identified in a particular study.
24. Recursive Process
The iterative nature of research where steps may be revisited and revised as new insights are gained.