Variables that change as the independent variable is manipulated by the researcher; sometimes called the criterion variables.

Variables that are purposely manipulated or changed by the researcher; also called manipulated variables.

The characteristics & attributes of the study subjects are considered demographic variables, for example, age, gender, educational status, religion, social class, marital status, habitat, occupation, income, medical diagnosis, & so on.

Theoretical framework in a study is based on an existing theory or theories (e.g., a theory of motivation). The conceptual framework, on the other hand, is something you can develop yourself based on this theory.

A basic principle that is accepted as being true on the basis of logic or reason, without proof or verification.

A statement of the predicted relationship between two or more variable in a research study; an educated or calculated guess by researcher.

A critical summary or research on a topic of interest, generally prepared to put a research problem in context or to identify gaps & weaknesses in prior studies so as to justify a new investigation.

Restrictions in a study that may decrease the credibility & generalization of the research findings.

The entire set of individuals or objects having some common characteristics selected for a research study (eg; patients admitted in intensive care units); sometimes referred to as the universe of the research study.

A part or subset of population selected to participate in research study.

The selection of subjects or sampling units from a population using random procedure; example include simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, & systematic sampling.

Method of organizing, sorting, & scrutinizing data in such a way that research question can be answered or meaningful inferences can be drawn

What is validity?

Units of information or any statistics, facts, figures, general material, evidence, or knowledge collected during the course of the study.