Senior Project Glossary

Question 1

Abstract

Answer 1

A formal summary of a research study

Question 2

Analysis of variance (simple)

Answer 2

A statistical method utilizing the “F” test which compares the variability within samples to the variability among two or more samples to determine the probability that the variability among samples is due to chance and not due to sampling from populations having different means.

Question 3

Bias

Answer 3

The researcher’s conscious or subconscious influence during the process of collecting, analyzing, and/or interpreting data which can distort the results of a study.

Question 4

Case Studies

Answer 4

A type of research investigation utilizing an intensive study of phenomena. The subject or case studies is not usually a representative sample. The purpose is to identify significant factors without any attempt to generalize to a larger population.

Question 5

Chi Square X2

Answer 5

a mathematical distribution presented in table form that can be used to determine whether a set of observed frequencies differs sufficiently from a set of hypothesized expected frequencies that the conclusion can be made that the difference is not due to chance or random selection of the sample being studied. One form of the equation is:

X2 = ∑ (0f-Ef) 2
Ef

Where 0f is the observed frequency and Ef is frequency expected for the given hypothesis.

Question 6

Comparative Studies

Answer 6

Descriptive research studies in which an attempt is made to determine common factors or relationships among phenomena.

Question 7

Conclusions

Answer 7

Generalizations made as a result of research

Question 8

Data (sing. or pl.) or datum (sing.)

Answer 8

A fact or statistic

Question 9

Dependent Variable

Answer 9

A variable whose magnitude depends on the value of another variable.

Question 10

Descriptive Research

Answer 10

Research dealing with a description of current conditions.

Question 11

Deviation (or X)

Answer 11

The amount by which a particular score or measurement in a distribution deviates from the mean of the distribution; x=X-M where x is the deviator of a score, X is the score, and M is the mean of the distribution.

Question 12

Experimental Research

Answer 12

Research in which the investigator seeks to determine what can happen under a given set of circumstances. It is characterized by rigid control of the conditions in which the independent variable and dependent variable function.

Question 13

Frequency Distribution

Answer 13

An arrangement (from the highest to the lowest) of all possible measurements within a given range a long with an indication of how frequently each measurement was actually found to occur. A grouped frequency distribution is similar except that frequencies of measurements are grouped into intervals of measurements; i.e., an interval of 90-94 indicates that all measurements between 89.5 and 94.5 would be counted to be included in the single interval 90.94.

Question 14

Historical Research

Answer 14

Research which represents a critical description and analysis of past conditions.

Question 15

Hypothesis

Answer 15

Tentative propositions which are subject to verification through subsequent investigation.

Question 16

Interview

Answer 16

A method of seeking research data that utilizes two-way communications (verbally) with the respondent.

Question 17

Mean

Answer 17

(abbr. M) A measure of central tendency in a distribution of measures; found by dividing the sum of all measurements by the number of measurements.

Question 18

Median

Answer 18

(abbr. Mdn.) - the 50th percentile; the score, measurement or point in a rank order distribution below which and above which would be found one-half or 50% of all measurements in the distributions; one of the measures of central tendency.

Question 19

Mode

Answer 19

(abbr. Mo) - the measurement in a group of measurements that has occurred most often; one of the measures of central tendency.

Question 20

Normal distribution

Answer 20

A mathematical distribution which tends to approximate the measurements found in nature; graphically the normal curve tends to be similar to the bell-shaped probability curve of chance happenings.

Question 21

Null Hypothesis

Answer 21

A statement which asserts that differences between samples are close enough to zero that the differences are attributable to random selection of the samples from the same population; rejection of null at a given level of confidence means that the differences are large enough to suspect that they are not due to chance selection; rejection of null at the 5% level of confidence indicated that differences as large as those measured would tend to come about as a result of chance in 5 cases or less out of 100; rejection of null at the 1% level indicates that such a difference would tend to be a result of chance only 1 time or less out of 100 samples from the same population.

Question 22

Observation

Answer 22

A research method utilizing direct contact between the researcher and the phenomena under study. The researcher usually avoids interfering with or influencing the subject(s) of a study. The method is also useful when working with subjects such as infants or mentally ill persons who cannot verbally communicate with the researcher.

Question 23

Percentile

Answer 23

(centile) - when a group of measurements is arranged in rank order from the highest to the lowest, the per cent of measurements that rank at or below a given measurement in the distribution is called the percentile rank of the given measurement.

Question 24

Population

Answer 24

A statistical term referring to the larger group from which a sample is selected for study. The sample is studied and generalization are made concerning the population from which the sample was taken through the process of statistical inference. The population is also referred to as the universe.

Question 25

Questionnaire

Answer 25

An instrument used to gather data from subjects who are not contacted on a face-to- face basis.

Question 26

Random Selection

Answer 26

Selections made without any preconceived notion, or pattern; selections that occur purely as a result to chance so that the probability that one element of the population will be selected is the same as the probability that any other element will be selected.

Question 27

Range

Answer 27

The difference between the largest and smallest observed values of a variable.

Question 28

Reliability

Answer 28

The property of an instrument to measure the same conditions consistently with unvarying results.

Question 29

Research

Answer 29

Systematic study of phenomena.

Question 30

Scales

Answer 30

A means used to quantify data. Interval scales denote equal intervals among measurements at all ranges of the distributions of the distributions of measurements. Ordinal scales signify rank order such as first, second, third, etc., and may not signify equal intervals. Nominal scales are used to classify data in categories such as male, female, employed, unemployed yes or no.

Question 31

Statistical Significance

Answer 31

Having a high probability, as shown by statistical procedures, of being due to the operation of factors other than chance; does not necessarily imply practical importance.

Question 32

Theory

Answer 32

A formal tentative statement of relationships among class of phenomena. A theory is elevated to the status of a law when repeated observations confirm its predictive value. A formal theory is usually a conceptualization of phenomena which cannot be directly observed or measured in the relationships among these phenomena, (b) the paradigm or model which presents the relation among constructs in the schematic form and (c) the specific
hypotheses which are deducted from the