Common Research Terms

Political Science 5335
Problems in Research Methodology
Texas State University

Patricia M. Shields

1. empirical

2. research purpose

3. data

4. working hypothesis

5. experimental design

6. explanation

7. meta conceptual framework

8. sample

9 micro conceptual framework

10. variables (independent and dependent)

11. external validity

12. formal hypothesis

13. content analysis

14. concept

15. practical ideal type

16. inferential statistics

17. bias

18. operationalization

19. paradigm

20. t-test

21. null hypothesis

22. unit of analysis

23. document analysis

24. descriptive statistics

25. population

26. survey research

27. scale

28 model

29 description

30. case study

31. replication

32. causation

33. "read-write-think-connect to experience"

34. tools of inquiry

35. theory

36. correlation

37. categories

38. sampling frame

39. pilot study

40 impact evaluation

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System.