Deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is based on the multiple premises that are generally assumed to be true. It moves from the general to the specific, deriving logically necessary conclusions from given information.

An Independent Variable is the factor in an experiment that the researcher intentionally manipulates or changes to observe its effect. Its considered the cause or reason for an observed effect.

Reliability refers to the extent to which items within a survey or test consistently measure the same construct. It assesses the degree of agreement or consistency among the items. In simple terms, it tells whether the test produces consistent results with repeated applications to the same individual, over time, or parallel measures.

A sample is a subset of a population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population. It is chosen to ensure that every characteristic has an equal chance of being included.

Experimental Group is a group of participants in an experiment who are exposed to the variable being tested or manipulated by the researcher. This group is compared to a control group, which is similar to the experimental group but is not exposed to the variable. The purpose of the experimental group is to measure the effect of the variable on the participants and to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the variable and the outcome.

Correlation is a statistical measure describing the extent to which two or more variables change together. It does not imply causation but indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between variables.

There are three main types of correlation:

Positive correlation: As one variable increases, the other tends to increase. Conversely, as one variable decreases, the other variable tends to decrease.

Negative correlation: As one variable increases, the other decreases, and vice versa.

No correlation: There is no apparent relationship between the variables; changes in one variable do not predict changes in the other.

Qualitative Data refers to non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics. It captures the richness and depth of phenomena, often through text, images, or sounds. This data type is typically collected through interviews, conversations, and focus groups.

For a case study to qualify as qualitative research, the researcher must focus on the meaning of experiences to subjects. They then use content analysis to evaluate the data from case studies.

What was happening?

How did it feel?

Why was this important?

What did you do next?

This type is appropriate when you want to learn how something works within its natural environment. For example, if you want to understand people's challenges while using technology at work, you can collaborate with teams in different departments to study this topic.

Related: Qualitative Researcher Skills: Definition and Examples

Phenomenological researchers focus on subjective understanding and biases to look at what people say about themselves, rather than on objective interpretations of what participants say. This helps researchers better understand people's experiences.