statistical concepts and methods in research Flashcards
Accuracy
The degree of closeness between a measurement and its true value.
Apparency
clear, understandable representation of the data
Bell curve
A frequency distribution statistics. Normal distribution is shaped like a bell.
Case Study
a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. it relies on observations, facts and experiments to gather information
Control Group
A group in an experiment that receives not treatment in order to compare the treated group against a norm.
Correlation
is a statistical measure that expresses the extent to which two variables are linearly related (meaning they change together at a constant rate). It’s a common tool for describing simple relationships without making a statement about cause and effect.
Data
Recorded observations, and information that has been collected, observed, generated or created to validate original research findings.
Credibility
A researcher’s ability to demonstrate that the object of a study is accurately identified and described , based on the way in which the study was conducted
Deductive
A form of reasoning in which conclusions are formulated about particulars from general or universal premises
Dependability
refers to the degree of consistency, reliability, and stability of findings and interpretations throughout the research process.
Design Flexibility
a form of design which allows for interim feedback that may change the course of a trial or experiment. It’s sometimes used synonymously with adaptive design.
Deviation
a measure of how dispersed the data is in relation to the mean. the distance from the center point
Empirical Research
based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief.
Experiment
a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
Factor Analysis
A statistical test that explores relationships among data. The test explores which variables in a data set are most related to each other. In a carefully constructed survey.
Hypothesis
a concept or idea that you test through research and experiments. In other words, it is a prediction that is can be tested by research
Independent Variable
aren’t affected by any other variables that the study measures(ie. age, size, weight).
Inductive
a method in which the researcher collects and analyzes data to develop theories, concepts, or hypotheses based on patterns and observations seen in the data.
Interviews
Research tool in which a researcher asks questions of participants; often audio-video taped for later transcription and analysis.
Irrelevant Information
One must decide what to do with the information in the text that is not coded. Options include either deleting or skipping over unwanted materia, or viewing all information and using it to reexamine, reassess or even alter one’s coding scheme.
Kinesics
Analysis that examines what is communicated through body movement. the interpretation of body communication such as facial expressions and gestures, nonverbal behavior related to movement of any part of the body or the body as a whole.
Mean
also known as the average, is the total sum of values in a sample divided by the number of values in your sample.
Narrative Inquiry
records the experiences of an individual or small group, revealing the lived experience or particular perspective of that individual, usually primarily through interview which is then recorded and ordered into a chronological narrative.
Parameter
It refers to the characteristics that are used to define a given population. It is used to describe a specific characteristic of the entire population.
