Definition of Terms Flashcards
Recall concepts based on their descriptions and definitions.
Refers to any systematic investigation of any social or natural phenomena where results and conclusions are aimed at contributing to generalizable knowledge.
Research
A standardized set of techniques for building a scientific knowledge
Scientific Method
Follows a bottom-up approach to research, beginning from specific observations explored through in-depth data collection; also called “theory building” research; its goal is to infer theoretical concepts from observed data
Inductive Research
Also called “theory-testing” research, its goal is to test concepts and patterns known from theory using new empirical data; follows a top-down approach to research
Deductive Research
Provides the structure and form of the research; directs/steers the research in a particular direction; acts like a blueprint for the data collection, processing, measurement, and analysis of data
Research Design
A type of research that aims to understand and explain a phenomenon; It takes the form of a theory that explains the phenomenon under investigation to give its contribution to knowledge
Basic Research
Pursues potential solutions to help people understand the nature of human and societal problems
Applied Research
Studies processes and outcomes aimed at an attempted solution to improve human intervention within specific conditions
Evaluative Research
Pursues potential solutions to solve specific problems within a program/organization/community.
Action Research
Seeks to investigate an under-researched aspect of social life to scope out the magnitude/extent of a particular phenomenon, problem, or behavior
Exploratory Research
Seeks to richly describe an aspect of social life by making careful observations and detailed documentation of a phenomenon of interest
Descriptive Research
Seeks to explain an aspect of social life to connect the dots in research by identifying causal factors and outcomes of the target phenomenon
Explanatory Research
The entire strategic plan of how to go about finding the answers to your research question.
Research Design
Tools and techniques that researchers use to gather data
Research Methodology
Pertains to the nature or object of social reality; refers to our assumptions about how we see the world
Ontology
Links to the process of knowing or acquiring knowledge
Epistemology
Indicates information, knowledge, and understanding are gathered through experience and direct data collection
Empirical Sources of Data
Include forms of introspection, vicarious experiences and other people’s analysis of events
Non-empirical Sources of Data
A cluster of beliefs dictates which scientists in a particular discipline influence what should be studied, how research should be done, and how results should be interpreted
Research Paradigm
An inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem based on building a complex, holistic picture formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting
Qualitative Research
An inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analyzed with statistical procedures
Quantitative Research
Both an approach to and a method of understanding the behavioral, emotional, and social meanings of lived experiences of individuals
Phenomenology
Focuses on studying shared practices and belief systems, such as the culture of a group of people in their natural context over a prolonged period of time; its roots are grounded in anthropology and the practice of ‘in situ’ research
Ethnography
Refers to a set of inductive data collection and analytic methods with the purpose of constructive theories grounded in the data themselves
Grounded Theory
Allows the in-depth investigation of complex issues within a specific context based on a small geographical area or a very limited number of individuals as the subjects of the study; a type of research that requires the search and deep exploration of complex issues
Case Study
Studies naturally occurring discourse and extract shared meanings from such
Discourse Analysis
Focuses on the narratives used as a source of data; it is the gathering of important historical details of what people perceive about their lives in terms of continuity and process
Narrative Analysis
Refers to the standards on what is morally right or wrong
Ethics
Contends that should be based on obligations to others
Deontological Theory
Seeks to act in accordance with the consequences of their behavior and minimize suffering and maximize well being
Consequentialist Approach
Researchers should seek to do good rather than harm
Beneficence or Avoidance of Harm
Researchers should seek to tell the truth and keep promises
Veracity or Avoidance of Deception
Informants/Individuals have a right to limit access to information about themselves
Privacy or Autonomy
The right to control the use of information about themselves
Confidentiality
The notion of informed consent is often recommended as an operational principle for the conduct of research
Consent
An opening sentence that entices the reader and stimulates his/her interest to read about your research problem
Problem Statement
Indicates what the research will do
Objectives of the Research
Indicate the boundaries, exceptions, reservations, and qualifications in your study
Scope
Indicates how the study will be narrowed in scope
Delimitations
Identifies the potential weaknesses of the study
Limitations
Mentions and elaborates on the central focus or the phenomenon being explored or understood in the study
Significance of the Research
It shares the results of other studies that are closely related to the study being reported; relating the study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, filling in gaps, and extending prior studies
(Review of) Related Literature
Summaries of past research
Integrative Review
Researcher focuses on extant theory that relates to the problem being studied
Theoretical Review
Provides not only a summary of the studies, but also an actual critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods
Methodical Review
