Basic terms Used in Research

Definition of basic terms used in research

Ø  Population: it refers to an entire group of individuals, events or objects having a common observable characteristic.

Ø  Sample: It is a smaller group obtained from the accessible population.

Ø  Sampling:  It is the process of selecting a number of individuals for a study in such a way that the individuals selected represent the population.

Ø  Variable: It is a measurable characteristic that assumes different values among the subjects. They can be dependent, independent, intervening, confounding or antecedent variables.

Ø  Data: refers to all information a researcher gathers for his or her study. Can be secondary data or primary data.

Ø  Parameter: It is a characteristic that is measurable and can assume different values in the population.

Ø  Statistics: it is the science of organizing, describing and analyzing data. Descriptive and inferential statistics.

Ø  Objective:  it refers to the specific aspects of the phenomenon under study that the researcher desires to bring out at the end of the research study.

Ø  Literature review:  It involves locating, reading and evaluating reports of previous studies, observations and opinions related to the planned study.

Ø  Hypothesis: It is a researcher’s anticipated explanation or opinion regarding the result of the study.

Ø  Theory: It is a set of concepts or constructs and the interrelations that are assumed to exist among those concepts. It provides the basis for establishing the hypothesis to be tested in the study.

Ø  A construct is an image or idea specifically invented for a given research and/or theory-building purpose

Ø  A concept is a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain events, objects, conditions, situations, and behaviors. Concepts have been developed over time through shared usage