Code of Ethics: The standards of acceptable behavior developed by and for members of a profession.

Control Group: The subjects in an experiment who are not introduced to the independent variable by the researcher.

Dependent Variable: The variable in a casual relationship that is subject to the influence of another variable.

Experiment: An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables.

Hawthorne Effect: The unintended influence that observers or experiments can have on their subjects.

Hypothesis: A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Interview: A face-to-face, phone, or online questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information.

Mean: A number calculated by adding a series of values and then dividing by the number of values.

Median: The midpoint or number that divides a series of values into two groups of equal numbers of values.

Mode: The single most common value in a series of scores.

Observation: A research technique in which an investigator collects information through direct participation, by closely watching a group or community.

Percentage: A portion of 100.

Qualitative Research: Research that relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic settings more than on statistical data.

Quantitative Research: Research that collects and reports data primarily in numerical form.

Questionnaire: A printed or written form used to obtain information from a respondent.

Sample: A selection from a larger population that is, statistically representative of that population.

Scientific Method: A systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.

Survey: A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think or act.

Variable: A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.