| CCCC Library | Closed |
|---|
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Abstract | A brief summary of the main points of a research article or paper. |
| Annotated Bibliography | A list of citations to books, articles, and documents, each followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph. |
| Bias | A tendency to favor one outcome or interpretation over others. In research, bias can affect the validity and reliability of results. |
| Bibliography | A list of sources used or considered in preparing a research work. |
| Citation | A reference to a book, paper, or author, especially in a scholarly work. Citations provide the necessary information for readers to locate the original sources. |
| Data Analysis | The process of systematically applying statistical or logical techniques to describe, summarize, and evaluate data. |
| Database | An organized collection of data, often electronic, that can be accessed, managed, and updated for research purposes. |
| Empirical Research | Research based on observed and measured phenomena, deriving knowledge from actual experience rather than theory or belief. |
| Ethics in Research | A set of principles that guide researchers to conduct studies responsibly, ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of participants. |
| Hypothesis | A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, serving as a basis for further investigation. |
| Keywords | Important words or phrases that capture the essence of a topic, used in searches to find relevant information in databases or on the internet. |
| Literature Review | A comprehensive survey of scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a particular topic, area of research, or theory. |
| Methodology | The systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It involves the study of the methods themselves to understand their limitations and implications. |
| Peer Review | The evaluation of work by one or more experts in the relevant field. |
| Plagiarism | The act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution, presenting them as one's own. |
| Primary Source | Original documents, objects, or other materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand testimony concerning a topic or event. |
| Qualitative Research | Research that focuses on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences through interviews, surveys, or observation. It often involves non-numerical data. |
| Quantitative Research | Research that involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. |
| Research Question | A clear, focused, and concise question that guides a research study. It defines the scope and direction of the research. |
| Reliability | The consistency of a research study or measuring test. A reliable study produces similar results under consistent conditions. |
| Secondary Source | Works that analyze, interpret, or critique primary sources. These sources provide second-hand information and commentary from other researchers. |
| Thesis Statement | A concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay or research paper. It is usually one sentence that appears at the beginning of the work. |
| Validity | The extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure. In research, it refers to the accuracy and truthfulness of data. |
Need a definition for a term you don't see here? Coastal students, faculty, and staff have access to both the Oxford English Dictionary and Credo Reference!