Definition of Terms

Question 1

Refers to any systematic investigation of any social or natural phenomena where results and conclusions are aimed at contributing to generalizable knowledge.

Answer 1

Research

Question 2

A standardized set of techniques for building a scientific knowledge

Answer 2

Scientific Method

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Inductive Research

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Deductive Research

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Research Design

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Basic Research

Question 7

Pursues potential solutions to help people understand the nature of human and societal problems

Answer 7

Applied Research

Question 8

Studies processes and outcomes aimed at an attempted solution to improve human intervention within specific conditions

Answer 8

Evaluative Research

Question 9

Pursues potential solutions to solve specific problems within a program/organization/community.

Answer 9

Action Research

Question 10

Seeks to investigate an under-researched aspect of social life to scope out the magnitude/extent of a particular phenomenon, problem, or behavior

Answer 10

Exploratory Research

Question 11

Seeks to richly describe an aspect of social life by making careful observations and detailed documentation of a phenomenon of interest

Answer 11

Descriptive Research

Question 12

Seeks to explain an aspect of social life to connect the dots in research by identifying causal factors and outcomes of the target phenomenon

Answer 12

Explanatory Research

Question 13

The entire strategic plan of how to go about finding the answers to your research question.

Answer 13

Research Design

Question 14

Tools and techniques that researchers use to gather data

Answer 14

Research Methodology

Question 15

Pertains to the nature or object of social reality; refers to our assumptions about how we see the world

Answer 15

Ontology

Question 16

Links to the process of knowing or acquiring knowledge

Answer 16

Epistemology

Question 17

Indicates information, knowledge, and understanding are gathered through experience and direct data collection

Answer 17

Empirical Sources of Data

Question 18

Include forms of introspection, vicarious experiences and other people’s analysis of events

Answer 18

Non-empirical Sources of Data

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Research Paradigm

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Qualitative Research

Question 21

An inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analyzed with statistical procedures

Answer 21

Quantitative Research

Question 22

Both an approach to and a method of understanding the behavioral, emotional, and social meanings of lived experiences of individuals

Answer 22

Phenomenology

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Ethnography

Question 24

Refers to a set of inductive data collection and analytic methods with the purpose of constructive theories grounded in the data themselves

Answer 24

Grounded Theory

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Case Study

Question 26

Studies naturally occurring discourse and extract shared meanings from such

Answer 26

Discourse Analysis

Question 27

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

Answer 27

Narrative Analysis

Question 28

Refers to the standards on what is morally right or wrong

Answer 28

Ethics

Question 29

Contends that should be based on obligations to others

Answer 29

Deontological Theory

Question 30

Seeks to act in accordance with the consequences of their behavior and minimize suffering and maximize well being

Answer 30

Consequentialist Approach

Question 31

Researchers should seek to do good rather than harm

Answer 31

Beneficence or Avoidance of Harm

Question 32

Researchers should seek to tell the truth and keep promises

Answer 32

Veracity or Avoidance of Deception

Question 33

Informants/Individuals have a right to limit access to information about themselves

Answer 33

Privacy or Autonomy

Question 34

The right to control the use of information about themselves

Answer 34

Confidentiality

Question 35

The notion of informed consent is often recommended as an operational principle for the conduct of research

Answer 35

Consent

Question 36

An opening sentence that entices the reader and stimulates his/her interest to read about your research problem

Answer 36

Problem Statement

Question 37

Indicates what the research will do

Answer 37

Objectives of the Research

Question 38

Indicate the boundaries, exceptions, reservations, and qualifications in your study

Answer 38

Scope

Question 39

Indicates how the study will be narrowed in scope

Answer 39

Delimitations

Question 40

Identifies the potential weaknesses of the study

Answer 40

Limitations

Question 41

Mentions and elaborates on the central focus or the phenomenon being explored or understood in the study

Answer 41

Significance of the Research

Question 42

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

Answer 42

(Review of) Related Literature

Question 43

Summaries of past research

Answer 43

Integrative Review

Question 44

Researcher focuses on extant theory that relates to the problem being studied

Answer 44

Theoretical Review

Question 45

Provides not only a summary of the studies, but also an actual critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods

Answer 45

Methodical Review