Dependent and independent variables
The dependent variable refers to the factor in an experiment whose value changes (“Organizing your Social Sciences”, n.d). The changes allow researchers to determine the impact of this factor on other factors. On the other hand, independent variables are factors whose values are stable (“Organizing your Social Sciences”, n.d). In most research exercises, the goal is usually to determine the impact of the dependent variable on the independent variable. For example, suppose that a team wishes to determine the impact of various amounts of fertilizer on farm yields. In this case, the fertilizer is the dependent variable since its values will be altered while the farm yield is the independent variable.
Another name for ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axis
The x and the y-axes are the names that are usually used for the dimensions in a Cartesian plane. These axes have alternative names. While the x-axis is also referred to as the abscissa, the other name for the y-axis is ordinate (Aufmann, Barker & Lockwood, 2006).
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Construct and concept
Construct and concept are two of the ideas that define research. A construct refers to a wide, abstract topic that researchers focus their efforts on (Leggett, 2011). Apart from being abstract, constructs are also complex as they usually have multiple parts. Another feature of constructs is that it is difficult to observe them directly (Leggett, 2011). Life satisfaction and intelligence are some of the examples of constructs that could be the subject of a research project. On the other hand, a concept is mental representation that one derives from experience (“2. Concepts, Constructs”, n.d). As opposed to constructs which are usually difficult to observe, concepts are observable. Color and height are examples of concepts that can be explored through research.
Basic and applied research
Basic and applied are the two main forms of research. On the one hand, basic research involves principles and theories. On the other hand, applied research narrows on particular circumstances and its main goal is to develop insights for real world applications (Kimmel, 2009). For example, basic research could involve examining the functioning of X-rays while relying on principles and theories of electromagnetic forces. An example of applied research is exploring the impact of a certain medicine on relieving pain.
Qualitative and quantitative research
Qualitative research is primarily concerned with exploration. Its main purpose is to establish the forces that are responsible for certain observations (Goodwin, 2009). On the other hand, quantitative research uses numerical data to assign magnitude to certain observations. An example of qualitative research is investigating the thoughts of employees on their working conditions. Exploring the number of road fatalities occurring after the introduction of a new traffic rule is an example of quantitative research.
Descriptive and inferential research
As the name suggests, descriptive research primarily aims to offer insights into a situation through such tools as charts (Goodwin, 2009). On the other hand, inferential research allows for conclusions to be made about a particular situation based on observations. For example, when researchers note that subjects exhibit certain symptoms, they may infer that the subjects have developed the condition being examined.
Research
Research is a broad term that is often mistaken for other concepts. Research may be defined as an inquiry that follows a systematic approach whose purpose is to explore hypotheses, arrive at new conclusions and provide fresh interpretations of data (“What is Research”, n.d). It is important to point out that there are certain exercises that do not constitute research. Merely rearranging facts and simply gathering information are not research exercises (El-Sharkawi, 2012). Literature review is not research either.
References
2. Concepts, Constructs, Variables and Measurement. (n.d). Retrieved 12th September 2017 from http://www.personal.psu.edu/gec7/Concepts.html
Aufmann, R., Barker, V. C. & Lockwood, J. (2006). Algebra: Introductory and Intermediate. Boston: Cengage Learning.
El-Sharkawi, M. A. (2012). Research and Development. Retrieved 12th September 2017 from https://www.bibalex.org/cssp/Presentations/Attachments/Research%20Essentials%20Workshop/ResearchEssentiansWorkshop_module1_Intro_to_R_and_D.pdf
Goodwin, J. C. (2009). Research in Psychology: Method and Design. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Kimmel, A. J. (2009). Ethical Issues in Behavioral Research: Basic and Applied Perspectives. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Leggett, A. (2011). Constructs, Variables and Operationalization. Retrieved 12th September 2nd September 2017 from https://is.muni.cz/el/1456/podzim2015/MPH_CSMR/um/50644629/7_5_constructs_variables_and_operationalization.pdf
Organizing your Social Sciences Research Paper: Independent and Dependent Variables. (n.d). Retrieved 12th September 2017 from http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/variables
What is Research? (n.d). Retrieved 12th September 2017 from https://real.ucsd.edu/students/what-is-research.html
