Glossary | |
These is glossary of research key terms. This glossary is intended as an aid to
professionals and non-professionals who find the world of research
somewhat intimidating. While it is impossible to cover all the terms
that can be confusing, this document briefly defines some of the more
common terms and concepts. | |
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| Theory | 1. A general explanation of how something works. A theory says what is related to what and why. A theory is, in part, a collection of related hypotheses. However, a theory also contains a sense of process and mechanism -- a sense of understanding of why and how the variables are related the way they are. Desirable characteristics of a theory include: falsifiability, parsimony, truth, fertility, generality, surprise, and a sense of process or mechanism. 2. In its most general sense a theory describes or explains something. Often it is the answer to 'what', 'when', 'how' or 'why' questions. |
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Glossary