Research Fundamentals
This is the term for a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation.
→ What is a hypothesis?
This sampling method selects people so that everyone has an equal chance of being chosen.
→ What is random sampling?
This type of data is collected by the researcher first-hand, such as through an observation or a survey they conducted themselves.
→ What is primary data?
This research method uses a set of formally prepared questions, which can be either open-ended or closed.
→ What is a questionnaire?
This is the first stage of the research process, where a research proposal is formulated and resources like time and materials are managed.
→ What is planning (for research)?
This purpose of research means individuals become more sure of their own practices and whether they are legitimate.
→ What is 'inform practice'?
This sampling method involves choosing one number at random, then selecting every nth unit after that starting point.
→ What is systematic random sampling?
This type of data measures 'what' is happening in a situation and is considered more objective and less biased.
→ What is quantitative data?
This type of interview follows a set of predetermined questions and can reach a large, representative sample — though it risks being less valid due to restricted answers.
→ What is a structured interview?
This document provides a detailed description of a proposed research program and acts like an outline of the whole process.
→ What is a research proposal?
This term refers to the consistency of a measurement.
→ What is reliability?
This sampling method divides the population into strata so that groups can be compared in similar proportions to the whole population.
→ What is stratified random sampling?
This source of data includes teachers, family, friends, neighbours and experts.
→ What are individuals?
This research method involves watching and recording the behaviour of participants, where the researcher may or may not take part themselves.
→ What is observation?
During this stage of the research process, researchers access sources of data, collect and record it, and document any actions and issues.
→ What is conducting research?
This ethical principle requires researchers to ask permission before conducting research and to keep data and opinions confidential.
→ What is privacy?
This sampling method has the lowest credibility, because the researcher selects people simply because they are easy to locate.
→ What is convenience sampling?
This category of data source — including the internet, computer programs, TV and radio — offers the most recent information instantly, but isn't always accurate.
→ What are digital sources?
This research method allows deep analysis of a single situation and lets a lot of detail be collected, but its findings can't always be generalised to the wider population.
→ What is a case study?
This is the final stage of the research process, involving presenting findings, analysing results and drawing conclusions.
→ What is interpreting research?
This ethical principle is addressed by choosing a sampling method that reflects the age, gender and culture of the population, and by recording data that both supports and contradicts the hypothesis.
→ What is bias?
This term describes the number of observations used to calculate estimates for a given population.
→ What is sample size?
This term refers to how accurately a measurement reflects what it was actually intended to measure.
→ What is validity?
This research method is a logical, methodical way of organising the existing body of knowledge on a topic — quick to skim, but time-consuming to complete.
→ What is a literature review?
This is how researchers give credit to the sources of data they used, typically through a bibliography and appendix.
→ What is crediting sources of data?