Research Design and Methodology
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Content Analysis in Qualitative Research course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Abstract refers to a brief summary of a research study, providing an overview of… #
It is often used to help readers quickly understand the purpose and significance of the study. Related terms include summary and overview. In the context of content analysis in qualitative research, an abstract is essential for providing a concise description of the study's methodology and findings.
Accessibility refers to the ease with which participants can access the research… #
Related terms include inclusion and participation. Ensuring accessibility is crucial in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Action research is a type of research that involves actively participating in th… #
Related terms include participatory and collaborative research. Action research is often used in qualitative research to promote social change and improve practices.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a statistical technique used to compare means be… #
Related terms include statistical and inferential analysis. While ANOVA is commonly used in quantitative research, it can also be used in qualitative research to analyze numerical data.
Anonymity refers to the protection of participants' identities and the confident… #
Related terms include confidentiality and privacy. Maintaining anonymity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact participants' willingness to participate and share sensitive information.
Anthropology is the study of human cultures, behaviors, and societies #
Related terms include cultural and social anthropology. Anthropology is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Applied research is a type of research that aims to solve practical problems or… #
Related terms include practical and problem-solving research. Applied research is often used in qualitative research to inform policy or practice.
Archive refers to a collection of data or documents that are stored for future u… #
Related terms include data and document archive. Archives can be a valuable resource for qualitative researchers, providing access to historical or hard-to-reach data.
Assent refers to the agreement of participants to participate in a research stud… #
Related terms include informed and consent. Obtaining assent is essential in qualitative research, as it respects participants' autonomy and rights.
Asynchronous data collection refers to the collection of data at different times… #
Related terms include online and remote data collection. Asynchronous data collection is often used in qualitative research to reach participants who are geographically dispersed or have busy schedules.
Attitude refers to a person's opinion or feeling about a particular topic or iss… #
Related terms include opinion and belief. Studying attitudes is common in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' perspectives and behaviors.
Audit trail refers to a record of the research process, including decisions made… #
Related terms include research and journal. Maintaining an audit trail is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Authenticity refers to the genuineness or trustworthiness of the data or finding… #
Related terms include validity and reliability. Ensuring authenticity is crucial in qualitative research, as it can impact the credibility of the study.
Autoethnography is a type of research that involves the study of one's own exper… #
Related terms include self and reflective research. Autoethnography is often used in qualitative research to explore personal and cultural identities.
Bias refers to a systematic error or distortion in the data or findings #
Related terms include systematic and error. Recognizing and addressing bias is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Case study is a type of research that involves the in #
depth study of a single case or example. Related terms include in-depth and detailed study. Case studies are often used in qualitative research to provide a detailed understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Categorical data refers to data that can be categorized or grouped into distinct… #
Related terms include nominal and ordinal data. Analyzing categorical data is common in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' characteristics and behaviors.
Causal relationship refers to a relationship between two variables where one var… #
Related terms include cause and effect. Establishing causal relationships is often a goal of qualitative research, as it can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms or processes.
Codebook refers to a document that outlines the codes or categories used to anal… #
Related terms include coding and category. Developing a codebook is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Coding refers to the process of assigning codes or categories to the data #
Related terms include category and theme. Coding is a crucial step in qualitative research, as it can help identify patterns and themes in the data.
Coercion refers to the use of force or pressure to persuade participants to part… #
Related terms include force and pressure. Avoiding coercion is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact participants' autonomy and rights.
Cognitive interview is a type of interview that involves asking participants to… #
Related terms include think and aloud. Cognitive interviews are often used in qualitative research to study decision-making and problem-solving processes.
Collaborative research is a type of research that involves working with particip… #
Related terms include participatory and action research. Collaborative research is often used in qualitative research to promote social change and improve practices.
Comparative research is a type of research that involves comparing two or more g… #
Related terms include cross and cultural research. Comparative research is often used in qualitative research to identify similarities and differences between groups or cases.
Conceptual framework refers to a theoretical structure or model that outlines th… #
Related terms include theoretical and model. Developing a conceptual framework is essential in qualitative research, as it can help guide the research design and methodology.
Confidentiality refers to the protection of participants' identities and the sec… #
Related terms include anonymity and privacy. Maintaining confidentiality is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact participants' willingness to participate and share sensitive information.
Consent refers to the agreement of participants to participate in a research stu… #
Related terms include informed and assent. Obtaining consent is essential in qualitative research, as it respects participants' autonomy and rights.
Constant comparative method is a type of data analysis that involves comparing a… #
Related terms include comparative and analytic method. The constant comparative method is often used in qualitative research to analyze data and identify relationships between concepts or variables.
Construct refers to a theoretical concept or idea that is being studied or measu… #
Related terms include theory and concept. Identifying and defining constructs is essential in qualitative research, as it can help guide the research design and methodology.
Content analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing text, image, or o… #
Related terms include text and media analysis. Content analysis is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Context refers to the social, cultural, or environmental setting in which the re… #
Related terms include social and cultural context. Understanding the context is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Convenience sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants… #
Related terms include non and probability sampling. Convenience sampling is often used in qualitative research to quickly and easily recruit participants.
Conversation analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing conversation… #
Related terms include dialogue and discourse analysis. Conversation analysis is often used in qualitative research to study social interactions and communication processes.
Critical discourse analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing langua… #
Related terms include critical and discourse analysis. Critical discourse analysis is often used in qualitative research to study social justice issues and promote social change.
Critical ethnography is a type of research that involves studying cultural pheno… #
Related terms include critical and ethnography. Critical ethnography is often used in qualitative research to study social justice issues and promote social change.
Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand and work with diverse cu… #
Related terms include cultural and sensitivity. Developing cultural competence is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Data refers to the information or evidence collected during the research study #
Related terms include information and evidence. Collecting and analyzing data is a crucial step in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' perspectives and behaviors.
Data analysis refers to the process of examining and interpreting the data to id… #
Related terms include analysis and interpretation. Data analysis is a crucial step in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Data collection refers to the process of gathering or collecting data during the… #
Related terms include gathering and collecting. Data collection is a crucial step in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Data quality refers to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the data #
Related terms include accuracy and reliability. Ensuring data quality is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Data saturation refers to the point at which no new information or insights are… #
Related terms include saturation and point. Data saturation is often used in qualitative research to determine when to stop data collection.
Debriefing refers to the process of informing participants about the research st… #
Related terms include informing and feedback. Debriefing is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish trust and respect with participants.
Deductive reasoning is a type of reasoning that involves using theory or hypothe… #
Related terms include theory and hypothesis. Deductive reasoning is often used in qualitative research to develop and test theories or hypotheses.
Dependability refers to the consistency or reliability of the research findings #
Related terms include consistency and reliability. Ensuring dependability is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Descriptive research is a type of research that involves describing or summarizi… #
Related terms include descriptive and summary. Descriptive research is often used in qualitative research to provide a detailed understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Descriptive statistics refer to the use of statistical methods to describe or su… #
Related terms include statistical and descriptive. Descriptive statistics are often used in qualitative research to analyze and interpret the data.
Discourse analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing language or dis… #
Related terms include language and discourse. Discourse analysis is often used in qualitative research to study social interactions and communication processes.
Dissemination refers to the process of sharing or communicating the research fin… #
Related terms include sharing and communicating. Dissemination is essential in qualitative research, as it can help promote social change and improve practices.
Documentary analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing documents or… #
Related terms include document and text analysis. Documentary analysis is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Double #
blind study is a type of research that involves concealing the identities of the participants and the researchers to reduce bias. Related terms include blind and conceal. Double-blind studies are often used in qualitative research to reduce bias and increase the validity and reliability of the findings.
Dual #
role dilemma refers to the conflict or tension that can arise when a researcher takes on multiple roles or responsibilities. Related terms include role and conflict. Managing dual-role dilemmas is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Ecological validity refers to the extent to which the research study reflects re… #
Related terms include real and world. Ensuring ecological validity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the generalizability of the findings.
Emic perspective refers to the insider or participant perspective, often used in… #
Related terms include insider and participant. Emic perspectives are often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Empirical research is a type of research that involves collecting and analyzing… #
Related terms include data and theory. Empirical research is often used in qualitative research to develop and test theories or hypotheses.
Epistemology refers to the study of knowledge and how it is constructed or under… #
Related terms include knowledge and construction. Understanding epistemology is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Ethics refers to the principles or guidelines that govern the conduct of researc… #
Related terms include principle and guideline. Ensuring ethics is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Ethnography is a type of research that involves studying cultural phenomena or s… #
Related terms include cultural and social ethnography. Ethnography is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Etic perspective refers to the outsider or observer perspective, often used in q… #
Related terms include outsider and observer. Etic perspectives are often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Evaluation research is a type of research that involves assessing or evaluating… #
Related terms include assessment and evaluation. Evaluation research is often used in qualitative research to inform policy or practice.
Experimental research is a type of research that involves manipulating variables… #
Related terms include manipulate and variable. Experimental research is often used in qualitative research to study causal relationships or test hypotheses.
Expert sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants based… #
Related terms include expert and knowledge. Expert sampling is often used in qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Face validity refers to the extent to which the research study appears to measur… #
Related terms include face and validity. Ensuring face validity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the credibility of the study.
Field notes refer to the observations or notes taken during data collection #
Related terms include observation and note. Field notes are often used in qualitative research to record and analyze data.
Fieldwork refers to the process of collecting data in a natural or real #
world setting. Related terms include field and setting. Fieldwork is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Focus group is a type of research that involves gathering a small group of parti… #
Related terms include group and discussion. Focus groups are often used in qualitative research to study social interactions and communication processes.
Generalizability refers to the extent to which the research findings can be appl… #
Related terms include apply and population. Ensuring generalizability is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Grounded theory is a type of research that involves developing theory or hypothe… #
Related terms include theory and data. Grounded theory is often used in qualitative research to develop and test theories or hypotheses.
Hermeneutics is a type of research that involves interpreting or understanding t… #
Related terms include interpret and understand. Hermeneutics is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Historical research is a type of research that involves studying past events or… #
Related terms include past and event. Historical research is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Idiographic research is a type of research that involves studying individual cas… #
Related terms include individual and case. Idiographic research is often used in qualitative research to provide a detailed understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
In #
depth interview is a type of research that involves conducting detailed or in-depth interviews with participants. Related terms include in-depth and interview. In-depth interviews are often used in qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Informed consent refers to the agreement of participants to participate in a res… #
Obtaining informed consent is essential in qualitative research, as it respects participants' autonomy and rights.
Integrity refers to the honesty or trustworthiness of the researcher or the rese… #
Related terms include honesty and trustworthiness. Ensuring integrity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a type of research that involves… #
Related terms include interpretive and phenomenological. IPA is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Interrater reliability refers to the consistency or agreement between two or mor… #
Related terms include consistency and agreement. Ensuring interrater reliability is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Interval data refers to data that can be measured or scaled at regular intervals #
Related terms include measurement and scale. Analyzing interval data is common in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' characteristics and behaviors.
Interview protocol refers to the guide or outline used to conduct interviews wit… #
Related terms include guide and outline. Developing an interview protocol is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Intrarater reliability refers to the consistency or agreement within a single re… #
Ensuring intrarater reliability is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Investigator triangulation refers to the use of multiple researchers or investig… #
Related terms include triangulation and investigator. Investigator triangulation is often used in qualitative research to increase the credibility of the study.
Journaling refers to the process of recording or reflecting on one's experiences… #
Related terms include record and reflect. Journaling is often used in qualitative research to record and analyze data.
Life history is a type of research that involves studying an individual's life o… #
Related terms include life and history. Life history research is often used in qualitative research to provide a detailed understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Literature review refers to the process of reviewing or synthesizing existing re… #
Related terms include review and synthesis. Conducting a literature review is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the context and significance of the study.
Longitudinal study is a type of research that involves studying a phenomenon or… #
Related terms include longitudinal and study. Longitudinal studies are often used in qualitative research to study developmental or change processes.
Member checking refers to the process of verifying or checking the accuracy of t… #
Related terms include verify and check. Member checking is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Meta #
analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing or synthesizing existing research on a particular topic or issue. Related terms include meta and analysis. Meta-analysis is often used in qualitative research to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Methodology refers to the systematic or structured approach used to conduct the… #
Related terms include systematic and structured. Developing a methodology is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Mixed methods research is a type of research that involves combining qualitative… #
Related terms include mixed and methods. Mixed methods research is often used in qualitative research to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Narrative analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing or interpreting… #
Related terms include narrative and story. Narrative analysis is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Nominal data refers to data that can be categorized or grouped into distinct cat… #
Related terms include nominal and category. Analyzing nominal data is common in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' characteristics and behaviors.
Non #
probability sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants based on non-random or convenience criteria. Related terms include non and probability. Non-probability sampling is often used in qualitative research to quickly and easily recruit participants.
Normalization refers to the process of making the data or findings appear more n… #
Related terms include normal and typical. Avoiding normalization is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Objectivity refers to the ability to remain neutral or unbiased in the research… #
Related terms include neutral and unbiased. Ensuring objectivity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Observational study is a type of research that involves observing or studying pa… #
Related terms include observational and study. Observational studies are often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Ordinal data refers to data that can be ranked or ordered in a specific sequence #
Related terms include ordinal and rank. Analyzing ordinal data is common in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' characteristics and behaviors.
Paradigm refers to the theoretical or philosophical framework that guides the re… #
Related terms include theoretical and philosophical. Understanding the paradigm is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Participant observation is a type of research that involves observing or partici… #
Related terms include participant and observation. Participant observation is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Participant sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants… #
Related terms include participant and sampling. Participant sampling is often used in qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Pilot study is a type of research that involves testing or piloting the research… #
Related terms include pilot and study. Conducting a pilot study is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Positivism is a type of research that involves using scientific or empirical met… #
Related terms include scientific and empirical. Positivism is often used in qualitative research to develop and test theories or hypotheses.
Postpositivism is a type of research that involves using a combination of scient… #
Related terms include post and positivism. Postpositivism is often used in qualitative research to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Power dynamics refer to the relationships or interactions between participants o… #
Related terms include power and dynamics. Understanding power dynamics is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Purposive sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants ba… #
Related terms include purposive and sampling. Purposive sampling is often used in qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Qualitative content analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing text… #
Related terms include qualitative and content analysis. Qualitative content analysis is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Quality control refers to the processes or procedures used to ensure the quality… #
Related terms include quality and control. Ensuring quality control is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Quantitative research is a type of research that involves using numerical or sta… #
Related terms include quantitative and method. Quantitative research is often used in combination with qualitative research to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Quasi #
experiment is a type of research that involves manipulating variables to study their effects, but without random assignment or control groups. Related terms include quasi and experiment. Quasi-experiments are often used in qualitative research to study causal relationships or test hypotheses.
Random sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants rando… #
Related terms include random and sampling. Random sampling is often used in qualitative research to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Rationalism is a type of research that involves using reason or logic to study a… #
Related terms include rational and logic. Rationalism is often used in qualitative research to develop and test theories or hypotheses.
Reactivity refers to the impact or influence of the researcher or the research s… #
Related terms include reactivity and influence. Minimizing reactivity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Reflexivity refers to the process of reflecting on one's own experiences or bias… #
Related terms include reflexive and self. Practicing reflexivity is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Reliability refers to the consistency or dependability of the research findings #
Related terms include consistency and dependability. Ensuring reliability is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Replication refers to the process of repeating or duplicating a research study t… #
Related terms include replicate and verify. Replicating a study is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Research design refers to the overall plan or structure of the research study #
Related terms include plan and structure. Developing a research design is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Research question refers to the specific question or hypothesis that guides the… #
Related terms include question and hypothesis. Developing a research question is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the context and significance of the study.
Respondent validation refers to the process of verifying or checking the accurac… #
Respondent validation is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Sampling frame refers to the list or population of potential participants from w… #
Related terms include sampling and frame. Developing a sampling frame is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Saturation refers to the point at which no new information or insights are being… #
Related terms include saturated and point.
Scientific method refers to the systematic or structured approach used to conduc… #
Related terms include scientific and method. Understanding the scientific method is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Secondary data refers to data that has been collected or analyzed by someone els… #
Related terms include secondary and data. Using secondary data is common in qualitative research, as it can provide insights into participants' characteristics and behaviors.
Semiotics is a type of research that involves analyzing or interpreting signs or… #
Related terms include semiotic and interpret. Semiotics is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Sensitivity refers to the ability to understand or appreciate #
The perspectives or experiences of participants. Developing sensitivity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Simple random sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participant… #
Related terms include simple and random sampling. Simple random sampling is often used in qualitative research to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Snowball sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants thr… #
Related terms include snowball and sampling. Snowball sampling is often used in qualitative research to quickly and easily recruit participants.
Social constructivism is a type of research that involves studying how social ph… #
Related terms include social and construct. Social constructivism is often used in qualitative research to study cultural phenomena and social interactions.
Statistical analysis refers to the use of statistical methods to analyze or inte… #
Related terms include statistical and analysis. Statistical analysis is often used in qualitative research to analyze and interpret the data.
Stratified sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants b… #
Related terms include stratified and sampling. Stratified sampling is often used in qualitative research to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Subjectivity refers to the personal or individual perspective or experience of t… #
Related terms include subjective and perspective. Understanding subjectivity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Survey research is a type of research that involves collecting data through self #
report or questionnaire methods. Related terms include survey and questionnaire. Survey research is often used in qualitative research to study participants' characteristics and behaviors.
Symbolic interactionism is a type of research that involves studying how people… #
Related terms include symbolic and interaction. Symbolic interactionism is often used in qualitative research to study social interactions and communication processes.
Systematic sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants b… #
Related terms include systematic and sampling. Systematic sampling is often used in qualitative research to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Thematic analysis is a type of research that involves analyzing or identifying t… #
Related terms include thematic and analysis. Thematic analysis is often used in qualitative research to identify patterns and themes in the data.
Theoretical framework refers to the theoretical or conceptual structure that gui… #
Related terms include theoretical and framework. Developing a theoretical framework is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the context and significance of the study.
Theoretical sampling is a type of sampling that involves selecting participants… #
Related terms include theoretical and sampling. Theoretical sampling is often used in qualitative research to develop and test theories or hypotheses.
Theory refers to the systematic or structured explanation of a phenomenon or iss… #
Related terms include theory and explanation. Developing a theory is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the context and significance of the study.
Transcript refers to the written or typed record of an interview or conversation #
Related terms include transcript and record. Transcripts are often used in qualitative research to analyze and interpret the data.
Transferability refers to the extent to which the research findings can be appli… #
Related terms include transfer and apply. Ensuring transferability is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the generalizability of the findings.
Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or approaches to increase th… #
Related terms include triangulation and method. Triangulation is often used in qualitative research to increase the credibility of the study.
Typology refers to the classification or categorization of data or phenomena int… #
Related terms include typology and category. Developing a typology is essential in qualitative research, as it can help establish the validity and reliability of the findings.
Unit of analysis refers to the level or unit of analysis used in the research st… #
Related terms include unit and analysis. Identifying the unit of analysis is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the validity and reliability of the findings.
Validity refers to the accuracy or truthfulness of the research findings #
Related terms include validity and truth. Ensuring validity is essential in qualitative research, as it can impact the credibility of the study.
Variability refers to the range or diversity of the data or phenomena being stud… #
Variability refers to the range or diversity of the data or phenomena being studied.