Introduction
• A research study begins with a problem or a question, and ends with generation and dissemin
of an answer for that problem or question. However, it is a sequential process, where ther
chances of overlapping or interchangeability of different steps. Furthermore, the step
quantitative and qualitative researches are not similar; there exist differences in both the proce
Therefore, they are discussed separately in this chapter. However, before discussing the res
processes, some basic research terms are described here.
, Basic Research Terms
Abstract: A clear, concise summary of a study that communicates the essential information about the study. In research
usually located at the beginning of an article.
Data: Units of information or any statistics, facts, figures, general material, evidence, or knowledge collected during the
study.
Variables: Attributes or characteristics that can have more than one value, such as height or weight. In other words,
qualities, quantities, properties, or characteristics of people, things, or situations that change or vary.
Dependent variables: Variables that change as the independent variable is manipulated by the researcher; sometim
criterion variables.
Independent variables: Variables that are purposely manipulated or changed by the researcher; also called manipulated
Research variables: These are the qualities, properties, or characteristics that are observed or measured in a natural se
manipulating and establishing cause-and-effect relationship.
, Cont…
Demographic variables: The characteristics and attributes of the study subjects are considered demographic variables;
age, gender, educational status, religion, social class, marital status, habitat, occupation, income, medical diagnosis
Extraneous variables: Extraneous variables are the factors that are not the part of the study but may affect the measur
study variables.
Operational definition: The-way—by which“a researcher clarifies and defines the Variables-under-investigation. In
researcher must also specify how the variables will be observed and measured in the actual research situation.
Concept: A word picture or mental idea of a phenomenon. Concepts are the words or terms that symbolize some aspec
For example, stress, pain, or love. Concepts are the building blocks of theory.
Construct: A highly abstract, complex phenomenon (concept) is denoted by a made-up or construed term. A construct
to indicate a phenomenon that cannot be directly observed but must be inferred by certain concrete or less-abstract indi
Phenomenon. For example, wellness, mental health, and self-esteem are constructs, and they can only be measu
indefinable and measurable concepts; for example, wellness can only be assessed through laboratory data.
• A research study begins with a problem or a question, and ends with generation and dissemin
of an answer for that problem or question. However, it is a sequential process, where ther
chances of overlapping or interchangeability of different steps. Furthermore, the step
quantitative and qualitative researches are not similar; there exist differences in both the proce
Therefore, they are discussed separately in this chapter. However, before discussing the res
processes, some basic research terms are described here.
, Basic Research Terms
Abstract: A clear, concise summary of a study that communicates the essential information about the study. In research
usually located at the beginning of an article.
Data: Units of information or any statistics, facts, figures, general material, evidence, or knowledge collected during the
study.
Variables: Attributes or characteristics that can have more than one value, such as height or weight. In other words,
qualities, quantities, properties, or characteristics of people, things, or situations that change or vary.
Dependent variables: Variables that change as the independent variable is manipulated by the researcher; sometim
criterion variables.
Independent variables: Variables that are purposely manipulated or changed by the researcher; also called manipulated
Research variables: These are the qualities, properties, or characteristics that are observed or measured in a natural se
manipulating and establishing cause-and-effect relationship.
, Cont…
Demographic variables: The characteristics and attributes of the study subjects are considered demographic variables;
age, gender, educational status, religion, social class, marital status, habitat, occupation, income, medical diagnosis
Extraneous variables: Extraneous variables are the factors that are not the part of the study but may affect the measur
study variables.
Operational definition: The-way—by which“a researcher clarifies and defines the Variables-under-investigation. In
researcher must also specify how the variables will be observed and measured in the actual research situation.
Concept: A word picture or mental idea of a phenomenon. Concepts are the words or terms that symbolize some aspec
For example, stress, pain, or love. Concepts are the building blocks of theory.
Construct: A highly abstract, complex phenomenon (concept) is denoted by a made-up or construed term. A construct
to indicate a phenomenon that cannot be directly observed but must be inferred by certain concrete or less-abstract indi
Phenomenon. For example, wellness, mental health, and self-esteem are constructs, and they can only be measu
indefinable and measurable concepts; for example, wellness can only be assessed through laboratory data.
