Glossary of Key Terms Term Definition Thematic Analysis (TA) A qualitative research method used to identify, analyze, and interpret recurring patterns or themes within
Author: Sunaina Singh
Freelance academic editor & consultant academic trainer. She did her masters and doctorate in plant genetic resources, specializing in the use of molecular markers for genotyping horticultural cultivars.
TL;DR: Ethnographic research is a qualitative, immersive methodology originating in anthropology that aims to understand cultures, behaviors, and social structures from the insider’s perspective. Its
A cross-sectional study collects data from a sample of a population at a single point in time, much like taking a photograph rather than a
A research problem is a specific gap in knowledge, a contradiction in an established theory, or a real-world challenge that a researcher aims to address
Glossary of Key Terms The following terms appear throughout this article. Familiarity with these definitions will help you apply them accurately in your own research.
Key Takeaways A research hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables, written in the present tense and grounded
Descriptive research is a methodological approach that seeks to systematically observe, record, and describe the characteristics of a phenomenon, population, or situation. This research design
A well-designed study should have a clear and well-defined research question, a detailed plan for collecting data, and a method for analyzing and interpreting the
Probability distributions, such as the Poisson distribution, are statistical functions that describe the possible values and likelihoods of a random variable within a given range.
With the academic world becoming progressively competitive, demanding, and high-pressure, students and faculty are under constant pressure to excel, publish research papers, secure funding, and
While on the job, academics learn to distil their research into an Abstract, which typically precedes the main text of their paper in a journal
Just as an index is a list of items put together for a specific purpose, journal indexing is the process of listing journals, organized by
Come September and academia gets abuzz with those three wonderful words: Peer Review Week! Peer Review Week is one of the largest academic events that
Increasingly common in academia, bullying is a serious issue and can take on various forms, affecting researchers and academics across disciplines and geographies. One might
Once you decide to embark on your PhD journey, one of the most important decisions is choosing a PhD thesis supervisor. Every research student grapples
Most early career researchers feel pressured to get published, which can be overwhelming for them. Because publications are a pivotal part of research and the
A research question is based on an area of concern or a lacuna in the existing knowledge. The purpose of a research question is to
Today, one need not physically visit a library and take down notes on sheaves of paper (which are apt to fly about or clutter one’s
Open access means free access to information and unrestricted use of electronic resources for everyone. A publication is defined as “open access” when anyone can
Are you about to write your first paper but are worried about rejection? Or have you recently seen those ominous words in an email from
A scientist’s standing in the research community is based largely on the quantity and quality of their publications. Citations are a way to uniquely identify
Journal metrics come handy when researchers are tasked with the daunting job of narrowing down options and selecting the perfect journal to submit their work
Black History Month provides an annual opportunity to draw the public’s attention towards Black history heroes and celebrate their achievements. Here are some Black History
Every profession has its own challenges and academia is no exception. Given the intense and time-consuming nature of the work researchers perform, the challenges in