Research Method - words CH.1

Question 1

what is Empiricism?

Answer 1

The use of verifiable evidence as the basis for conclusions; collecting data systematically and using it to develop, support, or challenge a theory. Also called empirical method, empirical research.

Question 2

what is a Theory?

Answer 2

A statement or set of statements that describes general principles about how variables relate to one another.

Question 3

what is Hypothesis?

Answer 3

A statement of the specific result the researcher expects to observe from a particular study, if the theory is accurate. Also called prediction.

Question 4

what is Data (plural; singular datum)

Answer 4

A set of observations representing the values of some variable, collected from one or more research studies.

Question 5

what is Preregistered?

Answer 5

A term referring to a study in which, before collecting any data, the researcher has stated publicly what the study’s outcome is expected to be.

Question 6

what is Preregistered

Answer 6

A term referring to a study in which, before collecting any data, the researcher has stated publicly what the study’s outcome is expected to be.

Question 7

what is Replication?

Answer 7

The process of conducting a study again to test whether the result is consistent.

Question 8

what is Weight of the Evidence?

Answer 8

A conclusion drawn from reviewing scientific literature and considering the proportion of studies that is consistent with a theory.

Question 9

what is Self-Correcting?

Answer 9

A process in which scientists make their research available for peer review, replication, and critique, with the goal of identifying and correcting errors in the research.

Question 10

what is Applied Research?

Answer 10

Research whose goal is to find a solution to a particular real-world problem. See also basic research, translational research.

Question 11

what is Basic Research?

Answer 11

Research whose goal is to enhance the general body of knowledge, without regard for direct application to practical problems. See also applied research, translational research.

Question 12

what is Translational Research?

Answer 12

Research that uses knowledge derived from basic research to develop and test solutions to real-world problems. See also applied research, basic research.

Question 13

what is Journal?

Answer 13

A monthly or quarterly periodical containing peer-reviewed articles on a specific academic discipline or subdiscipline, written for a scholarly audience. Also called scientific journal.

Question 14

what is Journalism?

Answer 14

News and commentary published or broadcast in the popular media and produced for a general audience.

Question 15

what is Falsifiable?

Answer 15

A feature of a scientific theory, in which it is possible to collect data that will indicate that the theory is wrong.

Question 16

what is Universalism?

Answer 16

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientific claims are evaluated according to their merit, independent of the researcher’s credentials or reputation. The same preestablished criteria apply to all scientists and all research. See also communality, disinterestedness, organized skepticism.

Question 17

what is Communality?

Answer 17

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientific knowledge is created by a community, and its findings belong to the community. See also universalism, disinterestedness, organized skepticism.

Question 18

what is Disinterestedness?

Answer 18

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientists strive to discover the truth whatever it is; they are not swayed by conviction, idealism, politics, or profit. See also universalism, communality, organized skepticism.

Question 19

what is Organized Skepticism?

Answer 19

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientists question everything, including their own theories, widely accepted ideas, and “ancient wisdom.” See also universalism, communality, disinterestedness.