[NIFL-FOBASICS:1251] research Terminology

From: Barbara Garner (b.garner4@verizon.net)
Date: Wed Jan 05 2005 - 17:00:32 EST


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Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1251] research Terminology
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There’s an interesting discussion beginning on the LPRP discussion list. It
follows up on the Meetings of the Minds Symposium, which brought together
researchers and practitioners. Here’s a post from Erik Jacobson, who
moderates the list. I will post the related responses here; please feel free
to pick up the discussion on this list [I will share our discussion with the
LPRP list]or join the LPRP list to participate there [see below on how to do
so].            Barb Garner, Editor, “Focus on Basics”
 
---------------------------++++++++++++++
One of the main goals of the Meetings of the Minds symposium was to help
practitioners become more comfortable with research terminology. During each
session, participants were encouraged to ask questions about how the
research was conducted, not just what the results were. In discussion I had
with many practitioners at the Symposium, there was a sense that if
practitioners want to participate in debates about research and program
funding policy, they need to be able to talk some of the talk. 

As part of a continuing effort towards this goal, I would suggest that in
addition to working together to build a resource (such as a wiki) that
addresses the research questions that I recently circulated, I think we
should build up a similar resource that deals with the vocabulary of
research.  Reflecting on my own presentation, I drew up this list of terms
that were used and discussed (though not all with the same level of detail.)

1.         empirical evidence
2.         professional wisdom
3.         quantitative methodology
4.         qualitative methodology
5.         experimental
6.         quasi-experimental 
7.         correlational 
8.         case study
9.         triangulation
10.       sampling
11.       statistically significant
12.       “controlling for” factors
13.       “socially expected responses”
14.       Likert scale
15.       multiple regression analysis

Looking at this list, which terms would you really like to hear more about?
In addition, what terms have you come across in your own experience in
reading or dealing with research that you would like to add to the list? 

Erik Jacobson

To join the LPRP list, 
The LPRPConnections discussion list is facilitated by Erik Jacobson, 
veteran practitioner and Research Analyst at CALPRO/American Institutes
for Research. 


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LPRPConnections-request@listproc.otan.us 

and type "subscribe" in the body of the message.

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http://www.calpro-online.org/announce/lprp.asp

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 http://www.calpro-online.org/.



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