Mannheim and Rich

Question 1

Applied Research

Answer 1

Using generally accepted scientific methods to solve current problems.

Question 2

Basic (or pure) Research

(contrast w/Applied Research)

Answer 2

Using generally accepted scientific methods to understand a subject of interest to the investigator. There is no immediate application to a real world problem, however, the research may sometime in the future be of benefit. (e.g. much of Mathematics research is like this.)

Question 3

Causation

Answer 3

Understanding that change in one concept/variable/factor leads to a change in another concept/variable/factor.

Question 4

Consensus Definition

Answer 4

A definition that is constructed using the input of experts in a particular field. Although a respectable compromise, it is subject to change based on the number and kinds of people who were consulted. It is also subject to change over time.

Question 5

Concept

Answer 5

Merely a word or symbol that represents some idea.

Question 6

Covariational Relationships

Answer 6

Indicate that two or more concepts tend to change together. As one increases/decreases the other does also.

Question 7

Testable

Answer 7

Can the theory be related to the world in systematic ways?

Question 8

Logically Sound

Answer 8

Is the theory internally consisent? Are its assumptions compatible and contains unambiguous terms?

Question 9

Communicable

Answer 9

Can other, properly trained people understand the theory in ways that allow them to use it to explain events and to test hypotheses derived from it?

Question 10

General

Answer 10

Is it possible to use it to explain a variety of events in different times and places? Can we deduce predictions from it that can be tested indifferent circumstance, or is it tied too closely to one set of observations

Question 11

Parsimonious

Answer 11

Is it simple enough to be readily applied and understood, or is it so complex, so filled with conditions and exceptions, that it is difficult to derive explicit expectations about real-world events from it?

Question 12

Data

Answer 12

The bits of information about each case that we gather during investigators’ observations.

Question 13

Dependent Variable

Answer 13

Variables that are thought to change value in response to changes in the value of other variables (concepts/factors)

Question 14

Deduction

Answer 14

The process of reasoning from the abstract and general to the concrete and specific

Question 15

Empirical Analysis

Answer 15

Dealing with how and what we know. Using widely agreed upon scientific proces for analyzing data

Question 16

Generalizability

Answer 16

The degree to which we can generalize or extend our conclusions with some confidence for the observed behavior of one or more cases/situations/individuals to the presumed behavior of an entire population. (e.g. Is what we find in Baltimore tru of what happens in all similar cities in the USA?)

Question 17

Hypothesis

Answer 17

A statement of what we believe to be factural. Proposition; if/then statement.

Question 18

Independent Variable

Answer 18

Factor that influence the value of other variables through changes in their own values. Usually the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Question 19

Induction

Answer 19

The process of generalizing from what we have observed to what we have not or cannot observe.

Question 20

Normative Analysis

Answer 20

How we should use our knowledge. Usually made from ur values/morals. Much like philosophy. (e.g. death penalty)

Question 21

Operationalization

Answer 21

The conversion of relatively abstract theoretical notions/concepts/factors into concrete terms that will allow us to measure whatever it is we are after. (e.g., making the unobservable observable).

Question 22

Parsimony

Answer 22

Expressing an idea so that is simple enough to be readily applied and understood. If it is too complex, then it may not be helpful for real-world application.

Question 23

Research Question

Answer 23

A question that is formulated to address a problem that will fulfill a scientific or societal need.

Question 24

Scientific Research

Answer 24

A way of testing theories and hypotheses by applying certain rules or methods analysis to observations and interpretation of reality under strictly delineated circumstances.

Question 25

Theory

Answer 25

A plausible explanation that typically consists of sets of logically related hypotheses about the causes or effects of a phenomenon. It is a reasonably idea about what we think happens in the world.

Question 26

Typology

Answer 26

A classification scheme where distinctions among items are ordered

Question 27

Variable

Answer 27

Empirically observable characteristic of some phenomenon that can take on more than one value.