Research is the process of gathering and analyzing information to gain knowledge, solve problems, or answer questions.
The three main types of research are descriptive, correlational, and experimental. Other types include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.
A research question is a clear and specific question that a researcher wants to answer through their study.
To develop a research question, you should identify a topic of interest, do background research, and then narrow down your focus to a specific question.
A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables that can be tested through research.
Data can be collected through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, and existing data sources.
A sample is a representative subset of a population that is used to gather data and draw conclusions about the entire population.
The sampling method depends on the type of research and the population. Common sampling methods include random, stratified, and convenience sampling.
A literature review is a comprehensive and critical analysis of previous research and publications related to a specific topic.
To conduct a literature review, you should identify your research question, search for relevant sources, critically analyze and synthesize the information, and cite your sources.
Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own without giving proper credit.
To avoid plagiarism, you should properly cite all sources used in your research, paraphrase information in your own words, and use quotation marks for direct quotes.
Academic integrity refers to the ethical standards and values that guide the honest and responsible conduct of research and scholarly activities.
Maintaining academic integrity is crucial in promoting trust, fairness, and credibility in research and academic work.
Peer review is the process of evaluating the quality and validity of research by experts in the same field.
Peer review ensures that research is of high quality and meets the standards of the academic community.
A citation is a reference or acknowledgement of a source used in a research paper or publication.
There are various citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, that provide specific guidelines for citing sources. Consult your instructor or check the style guide for the required format.
An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper or article that provides an overview of the study, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
A methodology is the system or set of procedures used to conduct research, including the study design, data collection, and analysis methods.
The research methodology should align with your research question and objectives. Consider the type of data you need, ethical considerations, and your resources when choosing a methodology.
Statistical significance refers to the likelihood that the results of a study are not due to chance, but rather the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable.
Depending on the research design, statistical significance may be indicated by p-values, confidence intervals, or effect sizes. Consult with an expert or refer to statistical resources for proper interpretation.
A null hypothesis is the default assumption that there is no significant relationship between two or more variables being studied.
A type I error, also known as a false positive, occurs when a researcher rejects the null hypothesis when it is actually true.
A type II error, also known as a false negative, occurs when a researcher fails to reject the null hypothesis when it is actually false.
Your institution's library, writing center, and mentor/advisor are good resources for assistance with research. You can also consult online databases and research guides specific to your field.