Research and Data Terminology

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Independent variable

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The variable that is changed or manipulated to measure the effect it has on other variables.

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Cronbach's alpha

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A measurement that measures how closely related a set of components are in a group. It is a measure of scale reliability.

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Ratio data

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Data that has ordered categories, equal differences, and a true zero point (height, weight, time). Scores and zero.

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Interval data

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Numerical data with no true zero.

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Ordinal data

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Categories have a meaningful order but don’t have consistent gaps. Doesn’t show how big of a difference there is between intervals.

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Dependent variable

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The variable that is measured and observed to determine the impact made by the independent variable.

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Inductive reasoning

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Drawing general conclusions from specific observations, these conclusions are probable and aren't guaranteed to be true.

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Positivism

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The theory that all knowledge has to be based on observable, empirical data, often in relation to the scientific method.

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Empirical criterion

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A standard rule based on observable and measurable evidence used to evaluate the validity of research theories or hypotheses.

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Parsimony

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Theory that the simplest explanation or theory is usually the most likely to be true.