Scottish Institute of Reflexology

Research Terms

Quantitative Research Methods

This method of research uses data which can be summarised numerically, often using tables, scales or tests. Usually only closed questions are asked of the sample.

Qualitative Research Methods

This method uses data which collects and summarises feelings, either written or verbal. Open ended questions are asked of the sample and often data are collected using questionnaires and interviews.

Triangulation

This is when more than one research method is used and findings analysed and reported together.

Data

Data is simply the information that is collected throughout a research study, regardless of method, design or sample. Therefore data are collected in every research study. (Data is a plural word)

Sample

A sample in a research study is the people that are taking part. The 'sample' is representative of the whole group being studies, i.e. Reflexologists, Nurses, People with Cancer. Sampling can be done in many ways including

Random sampling – people picked to be part of the research study from the 'whole' group with each person having an equal chance of inclusion.

Convenience Sampling – people picked to be part of the research study from the 'whole' group who are easily accessible to the researcher.

Cluster Sampling – people identified as a smaller group within the larger population being researched

Quota Sampling – people who are asked to take part in a research study because they being to a selected group being studied

Writing up Research

Research studies are 'written up' and the hope is that they will be published. This can be in many areas including Research Journals, Books, Internally within organisations.

Research papers are fairly standard in what should be included and follow a general pattern.

Design – this is what structures the research and shows how the individual parts of the research come together to answer/address the question. The most common designs are Experimental, Quasi-Experimental and Non-Experimental

Method – this is they type of research you carry out i.e. qualitative, quantitative, triangulations, etc

Question – this is fundamental to the research – it is often difficult to get the right question and can take a long time. It must be clear on its intent and be able to be answered by the research undertaken

Literature Search – this is undertaken in a research study to review and analyse the research and documentation that already exists within the field being studied

Analysis – this is the part of the research that looks at and interprets the research data, it can be in many forms including tables, statistics, responses to questions, etc

Discussion – this is the part of the research where the researcher will look at the research undertaken and highlight areas of particular note or areas that have not been successful

Conclusion – This is the rounding up of the paper and explains what answers have been achieved within the research study

References – all research papers must include all the sources of information used throughout the study and usually follow the Harvard Referencing System (this allows for the reader to then find the literature used)

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