Research Technical Terms

What does an abstract do?

• Shows only the results of the research

• Introduces the problem tackled in the research

• Summarizes the research

• Shows the methods that the researcher undertook

Variables that change as the independent variable is manipulated by the researcher; sometimes called the criterion variables.

• Independent Variables

• Dependent Variables

Variables that are purposely manipulated or changed by the researcher; also called manipulated variables.

• Independent Variables

• Dependent Variables

The characteristics & attributes of the study subjects are considered demographic variables, for example, age, gender, educational status, religion, social class, marital status, habitat, occupation, income, medical diagnosis, & so on.

• Demographic Variables

• Extraneous Variables

Theoretical framework in a study is based on an existing theory or theories (e.g., a theory of motivation). The conceptual framework, on the other hand, is something you can develop yourself based on this theory.

• True

• False

A basic principle that is accepted as being true on the basis of logic or reason, without proof or verification.

• Proposition

• Assumption

• Concept

A statement of the predicted relationship between two or more variable in a research study; an educated or calculated guess by researcher.

• Assumption

• Hypothesis

A critical summary or research on a topic of interest, generally prepared to put a research problem in context or to identify gaps & weaknesses in prior studies so as to justify a new investigation.

• Abstract

• Literature Review

Restrictions in a study that may decrease the credibility & generalization of the research findings.

• Limitations

• Manipulations

The entire set of individuals or objects having some common characteristics selected for a research study (eg; patients admitted in intensive care units); sometimes referred to as the universe of the research study.

• Sample

• Population