Research design and methodology vocabulary (qualitative versus quantitative, primary versus secondary sources) used in AP Seminar. Front: the term. Back: a plain-language definition.
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- Qualitative research
- Research focused on understanding meaning, context, and interpretation through observation, interviews, and narrative data rather than numbers.
- Quantitative research
- Research focused on numerical data, statistics, and measurable variables to identify patterns and test hypotheses.
- Primary source
- An original document or material created during the time period being studied, such as letters, diaries, artifacts, or firsthand accounts.
- Secondary source
- A source that analyzes, interprets, or comments on primary sources, such as textbooks, scholarly articles, or historical analyses.
- Research methodology
- The systematic approach and procedures used to collect, analyze, and interpret data in a research study.
- Hypothesis
- A testable prediction or proposed explanation for the relationship between variables in a research study.
- Variable
- A characteristic, factor, or attribute that can change or vary and is measured or observed in a study.
- Independent variable
- The variable that a researcher manipulates or changes to observe its effect on another variable.
- Dependent variable
- The variable that is measured or observed to determine if it is affected by changes in the independent variable.
- Control group
- The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a baseline for comparison.
- Experimental group
- The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention being tested.
- Bias
- A preference, inclination, or prejudice that prevents fair and objective judgment or data collection in research.
- Reliability
- The consistency and repeatability of research results, meaning the study will produce similar findings if repeated.
- Validity
- The degree to which research accurately measures what it intends to measure and produces trustworthy results.
- Sample
- A subset or portion of a population selected for study, used to represent the larger group.