Process of investigating and exploring a topic or question to gain new understanding. Involves gathering information, analyzing data and drawing conclusion
Gap
Refers to an area within existing information that has not been adequately understood
Hypothesis
An educated guess or prediction about variables
Variable
Factor or conditions that can change within a study
Methodology
Systematic approach of methods used to conduct research
Sample
Subset of individuals selected from a larger population for study
Data
Facts or information collected and analyzed during research
Analysis
Process of examining and drawing conclusions from data
Results
The outcomes of a research study
Conclusions
Final summary of the research findings
Literature review
A comprehensive analysis of existing research related to the topic of study
Peer review
Evaluation of research by experts in the same field to ensure quality
Validity
Extent to which a research study measures what it accurately represents the phenomenon being studies
Reliability
Consistency of research findings or measurements indicating that result can be trusted
Ethics
Guidelines that govern the conduct of research including considerations of participation rights and honesty
Citation
Reference to a source of information acknowledging the work of others and avoiding plagiarism
Population
Entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying
Sample size
Number of individuals or items selected to be part of a study
