Research Methodology Overview

The plan for a research study, outlining the approach (qualitative or quantitative) and specific research type (e.g., descriptive, survey, experimental).

The people who participate in a study; the target population and sample.

The tool used to collect data, such as questionnaires, interviews, or tests.

The accuracy of a research instrument in measuring what it is intended to measure.

The consistency of a research instrument in producing the same results under the same conditions.

Applying statistical methods to data to analyze and interpret research findings.

A quantitative research design that involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

A quantitative research design that observes variables as they naturally occur without any manipulation.

The variable that is manipulated in a study to observe its effect.

The variable that is measured or observed to see if it is influenced by the independent variable.

Variables that may affect the dependent variable but aren't the main focus of the study.

The degree to which changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the independent variable.

The degree to which the changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the extraneous variables.

Occurs when subjects are not randomly selected, introducing subjectivity into the study.

Changes in subjects over time (physical, emotional, psychological) during a long experiment.

External event occurring during a study that affects the outcome.

Changing the data-gathering tool during the study.

Subjects dropping out or dying during a study.

Pretest influencing posttest scores due to familiarity.

Researcher's characteristics affecting subject behavior.

Subjects respond differently because they know they are being observed.

Reactive effects of pretests.

An interview with a predetermined set of questions, following a specific sequence.

An interview with a set of questions, with flexibility for follow-up (open-ended/close-ended questions).

Active researcher participation, gathering data through systematic viewing.

The tool used to guide the observation process to record specific data.

Systematic observation using a checklist, recording frequencies of specific behaviors.

Observing without a pre-set plan, observing as it happens.

Collecting physical data from subjects (e.g., heart rate, brain waves), often more objective.

A sampling method where every member of a population has a chance of being selected.

A probability sampling technique where all members of a population have an equal chance of being chosen.

Sampling that first divides the population into groups (strata) then samples randomly from each group.

Sampling used for large populations geographically dispersed. Uses groups (clusters) instead of individuals.

Sampling every nth member of a population. (e.g. every 5th name).

Sampling method where not all members have an equal chance of being selected.

Choosing participants who are readily available.

Sampling that ensures certain characteristics are represented proportionally.

Selecting participants according to specific criteria.

A research design where there's no control group or subjects aren't randomly assigned to groups.

A quasi-experimental design similar to a pretest-posttest control group design, but without random assignment.

A research design where subjects are repeatedly observed or measured over time.

A weak research design where the researcher has minimal control over the study.

A pre-experimental design where one group is exposed to a treatment and then observed.

A pre-experimental design comparing a group before and after a treatment.

A non-experimental research design that collects data through self-reports.

A representative subset of a larger population.

A collection of subjects.

A very large group of people.

A survey that asks about past events or experiences.

A survey conducted over the phone.

A survey conducted using text messages.

A survey conducted using printed questionnaires, sent by mail.

A survey conducted using email.

A survey conducted through platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

A survey conducted in person.

Questions where respondents fill in missing information.

Questions that assign numbers to names, choices, etc., often requiring statistical analysis.

Questions allowing respondents to express personal opinions.

Questions combining different question types (e.g., completion and subjective).

Questions phrased positively, avoiding negatives.

Questions with unclear or multiple meanings.

Questions containing two negatives.

Questions that ask about two different things in one question.

A scale asking respondents to agree or disagree with statements.

Scale using bipolar adjectives to rate concepts.

A data collection instrument that's brief but gets the needed information.

Instrument collects information unavailable from other sources.

Questions arranged in a planned order.

Instrument's questions aligned with the research problem's focus.

Assessing if a research instrument measures accurately.

A research instrument's ability to produce consistent results.

Ease of organizing and interpreting data from an instrument.

The ability of an instrument to measure what it intends to measure.

A test of whether an instrument seems valid on the surface.

Confirming that an instrument adequately covers all aspects of the topic.

A test of whether a measure aligns with its theoretical definition.