Positivism key terms

Question 1

Standardised questions

Answer 1

All respondents are asked the same questions in the same order, allowing for comparisons to be made

Question 2

Quantitative data

Answer 2

Numerical data, often presented as statistics

Question 3

Reliability

Answer 3

Means that findings can be checked by another researcher. If another researcher can do the research in the same way and get the same results, then the research is reliable

Question 4

Trends

Answer 4

Patterns of behaviour or attitudes seen in evidence

Question 5

Objectivity

Answer 5

Studying topics and people with an open mind and not allowing your own views and opinions to influence the findings

Question 6

Representative

Answer 6

Results from a study which can be applied to the whole of the research population