TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN RESEARCH
1. Abstract- summarizes all sections and helps readers decide whether or
not to read the entire report
2. Introduction- presents background information, scope, and focus of the
research paper.
3. Data- factual information [as measurements or statistics] used as a basis
for reasoning, discussion, or calculation.
4. Theory- a general explanation about a specific behavior or set of events
that is based on known principles and serves to organize related events in a
meaningful way.
5. Conclusion- provides the summary of the research.
6. Discussion- evaluates the results of the study or research.
7. Literature review- provides a review of what others have written or
researched on concerning the topic.
8. Conceptual Framework- offers a logical structure of connected concepts
that help provide a picture or visual display of how ideas in a study relate to
one another within the theoretical framework (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
9. Research Design- the game plan or method for finding out what you want
to know.
10. Methodology- systematic approaches to the conduct of an operation or
process. It includes steps of procedure, application of techniques, systems of
reasoning or analysis, and the modes of inquiry employed by a discipline.
11. Plagiarism- Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas,
processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
12. Reference- lists all the sources used in the research.
13. Delimitations: address how the study will be narrowed in scope.
14. Hypothesis: hypotheses represent specific restatements of the purpose of the study,
which can be directional or non-directional.
15. Inferential statistics: allow the researcher to make inferences from the sample to the
population in order to speculate, reason, and generalize about the population from the
sample findings. Must have sufficient subjects and random selection. Tests include t
tests, F tests, and tests for r.
16. Informed Consent: Subjects and participants must understand the nature of the
project, what procedures will be used, and to what use the results will be put.
17. Limitations: identify potential weaknesses of the study.
18. Research Methodology: The method of research design (paradigm as well as
statistics and analysis) as well as the approximate timeline for completion of the study.
19. Dependent variable: item observed and measured at the beginning and end of the
study.
20. Independent variable: Sometimes called the experimental or treatment variable
METHODS IN DOING RESEARCH
1. Quantitative Research -the data produced are always numerical, and they
are analyzed using mathematical and statistical methods. Explaining
phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using
mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).
2. Qualitative Research - it often involves words or language, but may also
use pictures or photographs and observations. Seeks to answer questions
about why and how people behave in the way that they do. It provides in-
depth information about human behavior.
3. Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative
research and qualitative research in order to answer your research question.
Mixed methods can help you gain a more complete picture than a standalone
quantitative or qualitative study, as it integrates benefits of both methods.
