Read each term where it’s used
In Augment’s notes, a marked term shows its definition when you hover or tap it, and each page ends with the terms it introduces.
In Augment’s notes, a marked term shows its definition when you hover or tap it, and each page ends with the terms it introduces.
27 terms from Class practicals, each defined in a sentence or two, with the part of the syllabus where you first meet it.
A clearly defined, observable behaviour listed on an observation schedule, operationalised so that different observers record the same actions in the same way.
A small-scale research study carried out by a class, led by the teacher or by students under supervision, to experience a research method at first hand within one of the course’s contexts.
A written document in which a participant, and for a minor a parent or guardian, confirms that they understand a study’s aim, procedure and rights, and agree to take part.
The point in qualitative data collection at which further interviews or observations produce no new codes or themes, used to decide when a sample is large enough.
Statistics that summarise a set of data, such as measures of central tendency and of dispersion, without testing whether results could be due to chance.
A survey or interview question that asks about two things at once, so that a single answer cannot show which part the respondent is responding to.
An observation sampling method in which the observer records every occurrence of each behavioural category during the whole observation period.
Written qualitative records made during or soon after an observation, describing what happened, in what context, and the observer’s reflections.
The planned list of questions and follow-up probes used to guide an interview, so that the same topics are covered with every participant.
A change in participants’ answers caused by the characteristics or behaviour of the interviewer, such as age, gender, status or reactions, rather than by the participants’ own views.
A measure of central tendency calculated by adding all the scores in a set of data and dividing by the number of scores.
A single value that represents the typical or central score in a set of data: the mean, the median or the mode.
A measure of central tendency: the middle score when all the scores are put in order, or the midpoint of the two middle scores.
A measure of central tendency: the score or category that occurs most often in a set of data.
A sampling bias that arises when the people who do not respond to a survey differ systematically from those who do, so the results misrepresent the target population.
A data collection tool for observations that lists operationalised behavioural categories and sets out how and when each occurrence is recorded, usually as tallies.
A distortion in observational data caused by the observer’s expectations, beliefs or interpretations affecting what they notice and how they record it.
A small trial run of a study’s procedure or data collection tool with a few people before the main study, used to find and fix problems such as unclear questions or timing.
A planned follow-up question in an interview that asks the participant for more detail, such as an example, what happened next or how something felt.
A relationship of trust and mutual understanding between interviewer and participant that encourages open and honest answers.
A change in participants’ behaviour caused by their awareness of being observed or studied, which makes the observed behaviour less natural.
The percentage of people invited to take part in a survey who actually complete it; a low response rate increases the risk of non-response bias.
A questionnaire technique in which some items are worded in the opposite direction and their scores are reversed before totalling, to detect and reduce acquiescence bias.
Keeping the procedure, instructions, materials and setting of a study the same for every participant, so that differences in results are not caused by differences in treatment.
An observation sampling method in which behaviour is recorded only at set intervals, for example which categories occur in a ten-second window every minute.
A written, word-for-word record of an interview or focus group, usually anonymised, which forms the raw data for qualitative analysis.
A short written story about a fictional person or situation, used in interviews or questionnaires so that participants can give their views without describing their own experience.