Handout 1 : Terms & Definitions

A statistical test that explores relationships among

A RESEARCH 1
data.
The various data collection and analysis techniques,
B HYPOTHESIS practices and procedures followed in research, e.g. 2
survey questionnaires, focus groups
in which the researcher explores relationships using
textual, rather than quantitative data. Case study,
C VARIABLE observation, and ethnography are considered forms 3
of this research. Results are not usually considered
generalizable, but are often transferable.
Errors in the findings caused by differences between
D LITERATURE REVIEW 4
the sample and the targeted population.
Recorded observations, usually in numeric or textual
E SAMPLE 5
form
A list of all sources of information used in writing-up
the research findings and cited within the body of the
F QUANTITY METHOD 6
publication. Listed under authors’ last names in
alphabetical order.
Statistical package for the Social Sciences: the
G QUALITY METHOD 7
computer software commonly used in the
 quantitative analysis of data.
The consistency of the findings when the study is
H repeated at different times or by different researchers, 8
RELIABILITY
using the same methods and procedures.
The level at which the study actually measures what
I 9
FACTOR ANALYSIS it was meant to measure.
any attribute or characteristic that can vary, such as
J diagnosis, age, heart rate, elbow flexion and self 10
DATA
esteem.
An examination of the existing research publications
on the topic area of a new study, to discuss their
theorizing, research designs, data collection methods,
findings, strengths, limitations and contexts as
K PILOT STUDY 11
relevant to the new one. This also includes the
researcher’s own views and observations, and
alternative explanations of the findings as to what
other factors may have given rise to those findings.

is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing

L METHOD information to increase our understanding of the 12
phenomenon under study
All members of a group, case or class of subjects,
M POPULATION 13
variables or phenomena under study.
 in which the researcher explores relationships using
numeric data. Survey is generally considered a form
N REFERENCE LIST 14
of this research. Results can often be generalized,
though this is not always the case.
A tentative explanation based on theory to predict a
causal relationship between variables in a research
O SAMPLE ERROR 15
study, which is directly tested by the researcher.
Generally linked to deductive reasoning.
A preliminary trial of the study, or a mini-study, and
P SPSS 16
should be performed before the final study.
A selected number of individual cases or research
Q VALIDITY subjects, drawn from a larger population for a specific 17
study.