Glossary: Research

Face Validity

How a measure or procedure appears.It is a subjective judgment made by individuals who are familiar with the content of the test or measure.

Factor Analysis

A statistical test that explores relationships among data. The test explores which variables in a data set are most related to each other. In a carefully constructed survey, for example, factor analysis can yield information on patterns of responses, not simply data on a single response. Larger tendencies may then be interpreted, indicating behavior trends rather than simply responses to specific questions.

Feminist Research

Seeks to contribute to the broader goal of gender equality by producing knowledge that is not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant and transformative. The research focuses on research topics which are of particular interest to feminist politics, characterized by the use of the concept of gender or aims to reveal structures of power, especially those structures organized by gender.

Field Studies

Academic or other investigative carried out in natural settings, rather than in laboratories, classrooms, or other structured environments.

Focus Groups

Small, roundtable discussion groups collect data through examining or discussing topics or problems associated with a research project. Focus groups usually are moderated and consist of 4-12 participants.

Framework

The structure and support that may be used as both the launching point and the on-going guidelines for investigating a research problem.