Glossary
A
Abstract
A summary of the key points of a research article, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.​
Bias
Any systematic error in the study design, data collection, or analysis that can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Case Study
An in-depth examination of an individual, group, or situation over a period of time, often used in qualitative research to explore complex issues in real-life contexts.
Causal Inference
The process of determining whether a relationship between two variables is causal (one variable directly affects the other) or merely correlational.
B
C
CBPR (Community-Based Participatory Research)
A collaborative approach to research that involves community members as equal partners in the research process, emphasizing mutual benefits and community empowerment.
Coding
In qualitative research, the process of organizing data by identifying key themes, patterns, or concepts in the text, typically through assigning labels or categories to portions of the data.
Cohort Study
A type of observational study that follows a group of individuals (cohort) over time to see how exposure to a risk factor affects outcomes.
Community Engagement
The process of involving community members in the research process, ensuring that their voices and needs are considered in the study design and implementation.
Confounding Variable
A factor other than the one being studied that may affect the outcome, making it difficult to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
Cross-Sectional Study
A study that examines data at a single point in time from a population to identify patterns or correlations, often used to assess the prevalence of health conditions.
Data Collection
The process of gathering information or measurements for analysis in a research study. This can be done through surveys, interviews, observations, or reviewing records.
Descriptive Statistics
Statistical methods that summarize and describe the main features of a dataset, often through measures like mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
D
Double-Blind Study
A study design in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment or intervention to prevent bias in the results.
Ethical Review Board (ERB)
A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure that ethical standards are met and that participants' rights and welfare are protected.
Ethics
The moral principles that govern research practices, ensuring that studies are conducted with respect for participants' rights, well-being, and informed consent.
Ethnography
A qualitative research method that involves in-depth study of people and cultures through direct observation, participation, and immersion in the environment being studied.
E
F
Feasibility Study
An assessment of the practicality and potential success of a proposed project or intervention, often conducted before the main study.
Follow-Up
The process of gathering additional data from participants after the initial study or intervention to assess long-term outcomes or changes.
Focus Group
A qualitative research method involving a small group of people who discuss specific topics or questions, guided by a facilitator.
Grounded Theory
A qualitative research method that involves generating theory through the systematic collection and analysis of data. The theory is "grounded" in the observed data.
G
H
Health Disparities
Differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services among different population groups, often linked to social, economic, and environmental factors.
Health Literacy
The ability of individuals to access, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about their health.
Hypothesis
A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables in a study.
Informed Consent
The process of providing participants with all necessary information about a study, including its purpose, risks, benefits, and their rights, before they agree to participate.
I
Intervention
A strategy or program designed to bring about change in a particular outcome, such as improving health behaviors or access to services.
Intervention Mapping
A systematic process for designing health promotion interventions, incorporating theory and evidence to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation.
IRB (Institutional Review Board)
A committee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are upheld and participants' rights are protected.
Knowledge Translation
The process of transforming research findings into actionable practices, policies, or guidelines to improve health outcomes.
K
L
Limitations
Factors that may affect the validity or reliability of a study's findings, such as sample size, measurement errors, or potential biases.​
Literature Review
A comprehensive survey of existing research and publications on a specific topic, used to identify gaps in knowledge and inform the current study.
Longitudinal Study
A research design that follows the same subjects over a period of time, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments over time.
Maternal Morbidity
Refers to health complications experienced by women during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period.
M
Mixed Methods Research
An approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research question.
Narrative Inquiry
A qualitative research method that explores the stories or experiences of individuals to understand how they make sense of their lives.​
Observational Study
A study in which the researcher observes and records behavior or outcomes without manipulating any variables, often used to find correlations.
N
O
Outcomes
The measurable effects or results of an intervention or study, such as health improvements, behavioral changes, or service utilization.
Outreach
Activities aimed at engaging and educating community members about available resources, services, or research findings.
Participant Observation
A qualitative research method in which the researcher immerses themselves in the community or context being studied to observe and interact with participants in their natural setting.
Participant Recruitment
The process of identifying and enlisting individuals to participate in a study, often involving outreach and screening procedures.
P
Peer Review
The process of having research evaluated by experts in the field before it is published to ensure the quality and credibility of the work.
Pilot Study
A small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events involved in a research project.
Placebo
An inactive substance or treatment given to the control group in a study to compare its effects with the actual treatment being tested.
Population
The entire group of individuals or instances that meet a specific criterion for a study, from which a sample may be drawn.
Prevalence
The proportion of a population that has a particular disease or condition at a specific time.
Qualitative Research
A type of research that explores phenomena through non-numerical data, such as interviews or focus groups, to understand experiences, perceptions, or behaviors.
Quantitative Research
Research that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends, often using statistical methods.
Q
R
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
A study in which participants are randomly assigned to different groups (e.g., treatment vs. placebo) to measure the effect of an intervention in a controlled manner.
Reliability
The consistency or repeatability of measurements or data collection methods, indicating that the results are stable over time.
Sample Size
The number of participants included in a study. A larger sample size can improve the reliability of the study's results.
S
Saturation
In qualitative research, the point at which no new information or themes are emerging from the data, indicating that data collection can conclude.
Secondary Data Analysis
The use of existing data collected for a different purpose to answer new research questions.
Stakeholders
Individuals or groups with an interest or investment in the research, including participants, community members, and organizations involved in the study.
Stakeholder Engagement
The process of involving key individuals or groups in the research process to ensure their perspectives and insights inform the study.
Statistical Significance
A determination that the results of a study are unlikely to have occurred by chance, usually indicated by a p-value less than 0.05.
Survey
A research tool used to collect data from participants by asking questions, either in written form or through interviews.
Systematic Review
A rigorous and comprehensive synthesis of research studies on a particular topic, aimed at identifying patterns and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
Thematic Analysis
A method of analyzing qualitative data by identifying and interpreting patterns or themes within the data.
T
Theoretical Framework
A set of concepts and propositions that provide a foundation for understanding the relationships among variables in a study.​
Triangulation
The use of multiple methods or data sources in research to enhance the credibility and validity of findings.
Validity
The degree to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure, ensuring that the conclusions drawn are based on sound evidence.
Variable
Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted. Variables can be independent (manipulated) or dependent (measured).
V
Vulnerable Population
Groups of people who may be at higher risk of harm or exploitation in research due to factors like age, illness, or socioeconomic status, requiring special protections.
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