Research Design and Methods
Case Study
Definition An in-depth study of a single case or a small group. Example A researcher wants to st...
Confounding Variable
Definition An outside influence that affects the dependent and independent variables, potentially...
Construct
Definition An abstract concept used in research (e.g., intelligence, stress). Example A research...
Correlation
Definition A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables are related. E...
Cross-Sectional Study
Definition A study that analyzes data from a population at a single point in time. Example A res...
Dependent Variable
Definition The variable that is measured in a study to see the effect of the independent variable...
Experiment
Definition A research method that involves manipulating one variable to determine its effect on a...
Hypothesis
Definition A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. Example A...
Hypothesis
Definition A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. Example A...
Independent Variable
Definition The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Exa...
Informed Consent
Definition Ensuring participants are fully aware of the study and voluntarily agree to participat...
Institutional Review Board
Definition A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met. Exam...
Literature Review
Definition A summary of existing research related to a specific topic. Example A researcher want...
Longitudinal Study
Definition Research that involves repeated observations of the same variables over time. Example...
Measurement
Definition The process of assigning numbers or labels to phenomena according to specific rules. ...
Null Hypothesis
Definition A statement that there is no effect or no relationship between variables. Example A r...
Observational Research
Definition Research in which the investigator observes and records behavior without manipulating ...
Observer Bias
Definition When the researcher's expectations influence the data. Example In a 1963 study conduc...
Operational Definition
Definition A precise explanation of how a concept will be measured in a study. Example A researc...
Population
Definition The entire group of individuals relevant to a particular research question. Example A...
Qualitative Research
Definition Research involving non-numerical data, often used to understand concepts or experience...
Quantitative Research
Definition Research involving numerical data and statistical analysis. Example A researcher want...
Reliability
Definition The consistency of a measure or test over time or across different observers. Example...
Replication
Definition Replication refers to the process of repeating an experiment or study under similar co...
Research Problem
Definition The issue or topic that a researcher seeks to address. Example A researcher is review...
Research Question
Defintion A question that guides the focus of a research study. Example A researcher has previou...
Sample
Definition A subset of a population selected for study. Example A researcher is interested in vo...
Sampling Bias
Definition When the sample is not representative of the population. Example A researcher wishes ...
Social Desirability Bias
Definition When participants give answers they think are socially acceptable. Example In a study...
Survey
Definition A method of data collection using questionnaires or interviews to gather information f...
Theory
Definition A theory in research is a systematically organized set of concepts, definitions, and p...
Validity
Definition The degree to which a test or study measures what it claims to measure. Example A qu...