Key Definitions

• Nominal Data


  Qualitative data, usually tallied and not able to rank. e.g. gender
• Ordinal Data


  Scaled or ranked, often seen as a score (1 - 5)
• Interval Data


  Ranked data with standardised measurements. Uses pre-existing measurement scales. e.g. temperature, time)
• Ratio Data

  Interval data, however includes an absolute zero
• What is meant by 'falsifiability?

  The possibility that the hypothesis or statement can be proved wrong.
• What is meant by Objectivity?

  The measurement of data is not affected by the expectations of the researcher.
• What is meant by replicability?

  Recording procedures carefully in order for another researcher to repeat them and verify the original results.
• What are empirical methods?

  Methods gaining knowledge which rely on direct observation or testing. (Not from unfounded beliefs or rational argument)
• What is meant by a 'paradigm'

  A shared set of assumptions about a subject matter of discipline and the methods appropriate to its study.
• What is the 'paradigm shift'

  when new evidence disrupts the current way of thinking and doing things. When there is simply too much contradictory evidence to ignore.