A

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) A statistical test for comparing mean differences in three or more groups by comparing variability between the groups and within each group.

Audit trail A process record used in qualitative studies to note the decisions and actions taken.

B

Bracketing A phenomenological research process to identify and suspend any preconceived notions held by the researcher about the study topic.

C

Case control study A design that matches similar types of patients who receive the treatment (i.e., cases) with patients who do not receive the treatment (i.e., controls).

Case study A research design that focuses in depth on specific (often small) populations or well-defined events that are bounded by time.

Chi-square test ( χ 2 ) A statistical test to assess differences in proportions using data that come from categories.

Clinical practice guideline Evidence-based recommendation for care that should be accompanied by practitioner judgement and experience, as well as client preferences.

Cochrane Collaboration An international organization for the development and updating of systematic reviews on healthcare effectiveness topics.

Cohort study A design involving comparison between participants in two or more different groups (i.e., cohorts) over time.

Concept An abstract idea formed by examining specific instances (e.g., grief).

Confidence interval (CI) A range of values within which the true value is expected to be found.

Constant comparison A grounded theory analysis technique to clarify the developing theory by comparing data as they are collected with previously collected data.

Correlational design Examines the statistical interrelationships among variables. Also called correlational research.

Critical theory A social theory oriented to the critique of dominant ideas with the intent to create social and cultural change.

D

Deductive approach A quantitative approach applying known facts or theory.

E

Ethnography research Research using a qualitative method, based in anthropology, that focuses on a group’s culture to learn its world view.

Evaluation research A study to assess how a program, policy, or practice is performing.

Evidence-based practice Practice decisions based on reliable and valid research and other systematic information (that should also take into account practitioner experience and judgement and client preferences).

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline A review of research on a topic with the purpose of making explicit recommendations for practice.

Experimental variable The intervention or treatment being manipulated. Also called independent variable.

External validity The extent to which the research results can be generalized or applied to other settings or samples.

Extraneous variable A variable that confounds (confuses) the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables.

F

Feminist research Focuses on issues of gender and how they have influenced women and men socially and historically.

Focus group A group of individuals interviewed together on a topic common to each of them.

G

Grounded theory Qualitative research that ultimately intends to develop theory from data that are derived (grounded) from real-world examples.

H

Historical research An investigation seeking patterns and trends among past events and their relevancy to the present.

Hypothesis A statement that predicts relationships between variables.

I

Inductive analysis The qualitative research process of working from specific observations/data to general conclusions.

Integrative review A review of the literature that assimilates the results of research studies by comparing and contrasting them in order to describe the state of knowledge. It may include quantitative and qualitative research studies.

Internal validity The extent to which the study design and methodology produce valid accurate results, and uncontrolled or extraneous factors are not responsible for the outcomes.

Inter-rater reliability The degree to which two people (raters) working independently using the same research tool at the same time get similar results.

M

Measurement bias Influences that affect how the data are collected or coded.

Member check A qualitative research validation of credibility obtained by feedback from study participants.

Meta-analysis A statistical technique for combining the findings of quantitative studies on a given topic.

Meta-synthesis An approach to compare and integrate findings from qualitative studies on a given topic.

Mixed-method research Combines both quantitative and qualitative components simultaneously or sequentially in the same research project.

Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) A statistical test of the differences between the mean scores of two or more groups on two or more outcome variables considered at the same time.

O

Odds ratio (OR) A ratio of the odds (likelihood) of an outcome in one group compared with the odds of the outcome in another group.

Outcome variable The characteristic being measured to find the results. Also called dependent variable.

P

Participation bias Influences affecting the sample that participated in the study.

Participatory action research Research in which the researcher and participating group share ownership of a project to investigate a social problem that involves them, with the intent to empower people and solve problems.

Performance bias Influences affecting patients or staff participating in a study. Sometimes controlled by using placebos.

Phenomenology research Qualitative research, rooted in philosophy and psychology, that describes or interprets the lived experience of people.

Pretest–post-test design A design with data collected before (pre) and after (post) the subjects receive an experimental intervention or treatment. Also called before-and-after design.

Q

Qualitative research An inductive, in-depth investigation of phenomena in a holistic fashion that uses a flexible research design.

Quality improvement A method of evaluating and improving the processes of health care, often using a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.

Quantitative research The investigation of phenomena that uses precise measurement to yield data that are subjected to statistical analysis.

R

Randomization The assignment of participants to study groups based on chance (e.g., using a random numbers table). Each participant has an equal probability of being in each study group.

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) An experimental study to test the impact of a new treatment or intervention, with random assignment of participants to a treatment with one or more control or comparison groups. May be carried out on a clinical unit and also called a randomized clinical trial.

Regression analysis A statistical test to predict an outcome based on the values of one or more factors.

Reliability The extent to which a data collection tool consistently measures the same attribute that it is designed to measure, or the extent to which the results can be replicated.

Research utilization The application of study findings to practice or policy.

S

Sample The part of a population that is selected to participate in a study.

Selection bias Influences affecting how participants were selected and/or assigned to study groups.

Statistically significant The result of a statistical calculation that shows a relationship between the study variables is unlikely to be due to chance alone.

Survey Non-experimental research that uses questionnaires or interviews to obtain information such as beliefs, preferences, attitudes, or activities of people.

Systematic review A synthesis or integration of research studies.

T

Thick description A detailed account of cultural practices used in ethnography to present results and provide evidence of rigour.

Triangulation Using multiple sources (methods, data collection, theories) to help validate information.

Trustworthiness Refers to the rigour (quality) associated with the qualitative research process and results.

t-test A statistical test used to analyze the difference between two mean scores, for example, to compare nurses’ and respiratory therapists’ mean scores of their skill to demonstrate use of inhalation devices.

V

Validity The degree to which a data collection tool accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

Variable An attribute or characteristic of a person or object that varies (takes on different values).