English

• et al. (et alii)


  Means "and others" and abbreviates people in a list
• e.g. (exempli gratia)


  Means "for example"
• etc. (et cetera)


  Means "and so on". This is one of the Latin abbreviations that is most common and tends to be overused by many.
• Ib./ibid.ibidem


  Means "in the same passage or page quoted above" or literally mean "in the same place"
• loc. cit


  Latin, short for loco citato meaning "in the place cited" is a footnote or endnote term used to repeat the title and page number for a given work (and author).
• Terminologies Used in Research Writing

  • Abstract
  • Assumption
  • Data
  • Concept
  • Conclusions
  • Construct
  • Hypothesis
  • Limitations
  • Literature Review
  • Methodology
  • Operational definitions
  • Population
  • Problem statement
  • Purpose (of a study)
  • Research problem
  • Research Question
  • Research report
  • Research setting
  • Results (of a study)
• Population


  The entire set under consideration
• Sample


  The population researched in a particular study. Usually, attempts are made to select a "sample population" that is considered representative of the larger population.
• Problem statement


  A statement that indicates the specific purpose of the research, the variables of interest to the researcher, and any specific relationship between those variables that is to be, or was, investigated; includes description of background and rationale (justification) for the study.
• Purpose (of a study)


  A specific statement by a researcher of what he or she intends to accomplish.
• Research problem


  A problem that someone would like to research; it is the focus of a research investigation.
• Research Question


  A clear statement in the form of a question of the specific issue that a researcher wishes to analyze.
• Research report


  A description of how a study was conducted, including results and conclusions.
• Research setting


  The physical, social, or experimental context within which research is conducted.
• Results (of a study)


  A statement that explains what is shown by analysis of the data collected; includes tables and graphs when appropriate.
• Sampling Design


  The part of the research plan that specifies how and how many respondents will be selected for a study.
• Sample Size


  The number of subjects in a study. Larger samples are preferable to smaller samples, all else being equal.
• Technical definition


  States or describes the nature, scope, or meaning of something.
• Theoretical Framework


  The conceptual foundation of a research study which may be based on theory or a specific conceptual model (in which case it may be referred to as the conceptual framework).
• Validity


  The degree to which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that the researcher is attempting to measure.
• Variable


  Something that can be changed or altered during an experiment. A characteristic that can assume any one of several values, for example, cognitive ability, height, aptitude, teaching method.
• Research is the discovery of new knowledge or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way
• Responding variable


  Rate of reaction
• Fiber optics


  A technology that transfers information via hair thin fibers
• Respondents refer to the number of participants in a certain research/study
• Definition is a core part of any dictionary
• Technical definition


  States or describes the nature, scope, or meaning of something
• Operational definition


  Describes how a variable is measured or manipulated
• Technical definition


  • Answers two questions: What exactly are we talking about? What exactly is it?
• How to write technical definitions

  1. Through parenthetical and sentence definitions

  2. Parenthetical definitions: Use a more familiar synonym in parenthesis

  3. Sentence definitions: Follow a set pattern - NAME + CLASS + DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC
• Operational definition


  Explains the observable and measurable characteristics of a term or concept
• Operational definition of depression


  • Behavioral observations
  • Survey
  • Physiological measures
• Operational definition


  A concise and understandable description of what is to be observed and measured, such that different people gathering, using and interpreting data will do so consistently
• Operational definition of weather and violent crime

  • Weather: High recorded temperature for the day measured in degrees Fahrenheit
  • Violent crime: Number of people arrested in a given day for murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault as recorded by the local police
• Giving operational definitions is important as it gives readers a clear and concise concept of what is being defined
• Expanded definition


  Defines and explains a single term, concept, or object; pins down the meaning of a specific word, or defines an abstract concept; goes deeper than a simple dictionary meaning
• Expanding definition into a sentence

  Word/s + Class + Distinguishing Characteristics
• Expanding definition into a paragraph

  Expanding by giving examples
• Speed


  A concept that marks our time
• Sluggishness


  Is out