encompasses A), B), and C).
has come to be used to refer to …
is generally understood to mean …
has been used to refer to situations in which …
carries certain connotations in some types of …
is a relatively new name for a Y, commonly referred to as …
The definition of X has evolved. There are multiple definitions of X. Several definitions of X have been proposed. In the field of X, various definitions of X are found. The term ‘X’ embodies a multitude of concepts which … This term has two overlapping, even slightly confusing meanings. Widely varying definitions of X have emerged (Smith and Jones, 1999). Despite its common usage, X is used in different disciplines to mean different things. Since the definition of X varies among researchers, it is important to clarify how the term is …
The meaning of this term | has evolved. has varied over time. has been extended to refer to … has been broadened in recent years. has not been consistent throughout … has changed somewhat from its original definition … |
X is a contested term. X is a rather nebulous term … X is challenging to define because … A precise definition of X has proved elusive. A generally accepted definition of X is lacking. Unfortunately, X remains a poorly defined term. There is no agreed definition on what constitutes … There is little consensus about what X actually means. There is a degree of uncertainty around the terminology in … These terms are often used interchangeably and without precision. Numerous terms are used to describe X, the most common of which are …. The definition of X varies in the literature and there is terminological confusion. Smith (2001) identified four abilities that might be subsumed under the term ‘X’: a) … ‘X’ is a term frequently used in the literature, but to date there is no consensus about … X is a commonly-used notion in psychology and yet it is a concept difficult to define precisely. Although differences of opinion still exist, there appears to be some agreement that X refers to …
The meaning of this term | has been disputed. has been debated ever since … has proved to be notoriously hard to define. has been an object of major disagreement in … has been a matter of ongoing discussion among … |
The term ‘X’ is used here to refer to … In the present study, X is defined as … The term ‘X’ will be used solely when referring to … In this essay, the term ‘X’ will be used in its broadest sense to refer to all … In this paper, the term that will be used to describe this phenomenon is ‘X’. In this dissertation, the terms ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are used interchangeably to mean … Throughout this thesis, the term ‘X’ is used to refer to informal systems as well as … While a variety of definitions of the term ‘X’ have been suggested, this paper will use the definition first suggested by Smith (1968) who saw it as …
For Smith (2001), X means … Smith (2001) uses the term ‘X’ to refer to … Smith (1954) was apparently the first to use the term … In 1987, psychologist John Smith popularized the term ‘X’ to describe … According to a definition provided by Smith (2001:23), X is ‘the maximally … This definition is close to those of Smith (2012) and Jones (2013) who define X as … Smith, has shown that, as late as 1920, Jones was using the term ‘X’ to refer to particular … One of the first people to define nursing was Florence Nightingale (1860), who wrote: ‘… …’ Chomsky writes that a grammar is a ‘device of some sort for producing the ….’ (1957, p.11). Aristotle defines the imagination as ‘the movement which results upon an actual sensation.’ Smith et al . (2002) have provided a new definition of health: ‘health is a state of being with …
X is defined by Smith (2003: 119) as ‘… …’ The term ‘X’ is used by Smith (2001) to refer to … X is, for Smith (2012), the situation which occurs when … A further definition of X is given by Smith (1982) who describes … The term ‘X’ is used by Aristotle in four overlapping senses. First, it is the underlying … X is the degree to which an assessment process or device measures … (Smith et al ., 1986).
This definition | includes … allows for … highlights the … helps distinguish … takes into account … poses a problem for … will continue to evolve. can vary depending on … was agreed upon after … has been broadened to include … |
The following definition is | intended to … modelled on … too simplistic: useful because … problematic as … inadequate since … in need of revision since … important for what it excludes. the most precise produced so far. |
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Chapter Twelve: Positing a Thesis Statement and Composing a Title / Defining Key Terms
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Earlier in this course, we discussed how to conduct a library search using key terms. Here we discuss how to present key terms. Place yourself in your audience’s position and try to anticipate their need for information. Is your audience composed mostly of novices or professionals? If they are novices, you will need to provide more definition and context for your key concepts and terms.
Because disciplinary knowledge is filled with specialized terms, an ordinary dictionary is of limited value. Disciplines like psychology, cultural studies, and history use terms in ways that are often different from the way we communicate in daily life. Some disciplines have their own dictionaries of key terms. Others may have terms scattered throughout glossaries in important primary texts and textbooks.
Key terms are the “means of exchange” in disciplines. You gain entry into the discussion by demonstrating how well you know and understand them. Some disciplinary keywords can be tricky because they mean one thing in ordinary speech but can mean something different in the discipline. For instance, in ordinary speech, we use the word shadow to refer to a darker area produced by an object or person between a light source and a surface. In Jungian psychology, shadow refers to the unconscious or unknown aspects of a personality. Sometimes there is debate within a discipline about what key terms mean or how they should be used.
To avoid confusion, define all key terms in your paper before you begin a discussion about them. Even if you think your audience knows the definition of key terms, readers want to see how you understand the terms before you move ahead. If a definition is contested—meaning different writers define the term in different ways—make sure you acknowledge these differences and explain why you favor one definition over the others. Cite your sources when presenting key terms and concepts.
Key Takeaways
Define key terms | Present key terms without definitions |
Look for definitions of key terms in disciplinary texts before consulting general-use dictionaries | Assume that ordinary dictionaries will provide you with the best definitions of disciplinary terms |
Explore the history of the term to see if its meaning has changed over time | Assume that the meaning of a term has stayed the same over years, decades, or centuries |
If the meaning of a term is contested, present these contested definitions to your reader and explain why you favor one over the others | Present a contested term without explanation |
Even if you think your audience knows the term, assume they care what your understanding is | Assume your audience doesn’t care about your understanding of a key term |
Strategies for Conducting Literary Research Copyright © 2021 by Barry Mauer & John Venecek is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
Abstract: a brief summary of an information source, such as a journal article or paper. An abstract appears at the beginning of the work, and it outlines the work's key points and arguments.
Citation : a quotation from or a reference to a book, paper, author, etc.Citations are used in the body of your paper to tell your readers the source of the information that you are quoting and give credit to authors for their original ideas.
Journal: a type of perioda quote or a reference to a book, article, passage, or other text or author; in academic writing, citations are typically used in defense of an argument.ical which is usually considered more scholarly than a popular magazine. Journals contain scholarly articles, they are often published by academic associations, and their subject matter is specific to certain fields of study.
Magazine: a type of periodical which is generally not scholarly in nature and which may or may not have an author.
Encyclopedia: a general information resource that contains articles on many subjects. An encyclopedia can be generalized, and provide information on many subjects, or it may be subject specific, and provide detailed information on one subject.
Periodical: a magazine, journal, newsletter, or other annual publication that is published at least 3 times a year.
Reference: references are similar to citations, but they provide more complete information about the sources that you have cited so that your readers can more easily locate the sources if they need to. Think about a reference as pointing (or referring) to another source. References do not appear in the body of your writing, but are shown in a complete reference list at the end of your paper.
Style Guide : a set of guidelines governing writing and formatting that is designed to provide uniformity in the style of writing, particularly academic or scholarly writing. A style guide makes it easier to read and understand academic writing.
This glossary provides definitions of many of the terms used in the guides to conducting qualitative and quantitative research. The definitions were developed by members of the research methods seminar (E600) taught by Mike Palmquist in the 1990s and 2000s.
Members of the Research Methods Seminar (E600) taught by Mike Palmquist in the 1990s and 2000s. (1994-2024). Glossary of Key Terms. The WAC Clearinghouse. Colorado State University. Available at https://wac.colostate.edu/repository/writing/guides/.
Copyright © 1994-2024 Colorado State University and/or this site's authors, developers, and contributors . Some material displayed on this site is used with permission.
One section that is often required in a dissertation is the “Definitions of Terms.” This gives your readers an understanding of the concepts or factors that will be discussed throughout your study, as well as contextual information as to how you will be using those concepts in your study. The “Definitions of Terms” ensures that your readers will understand the components of your study in the way that you will be presenting them, because often your readers may have their own understanding of the terms, or not be familiar with them at all. In this section, you provide a list of terms that will be used throughout the dissertation and definitions of each of them. Seems simple enough, right? But how do you know which terms to define and which ones to leave out?
The rule of thumb is to include and define terms that are important to your study or are used frequently throughout the dissertation but are not common knowledge. You also want to include terms that have a unique meaning within the scope of your study. You do not need to include terms that most, if not all, of your readers will understand without having definitions provided. For example, something like leadership probably does not need to be included in your “Definitions of Terms,” but laissez-faire leadership would be a good choice to include. However, if your study is about leadership, then it may be beneficial to the understanding of your readers to define leadership based on how you are using it within your study. Things like success or achievement may need definition as well, if you are using them within your study, as the readers will need to know what measures or markers of success or achievement that you will focus on within your study.
For more information on “Definitions of Terms,” including what information to include within the definitions, check out our other blog: How to Write Your Definitions.
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Glossary of research terms.
This glossary is intended to assist you in understanding commonly used terms and concepts when reading, interpreting, and evaluating scholarly research. Also included are common words and phrases defined within the context of how they apply to research in the social and behavioral sciences.
Elliot, Mark, Fairweather, Ian, Olsen, Wendy Kay, and Pampaka, Maria. A Dictionary of Social Research Methods. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2016; Free Social Science Dictionary. Socialsciencedictionary.com [2008]. Glossary. Institutional Review Board. Colorado College; Glossary of Key Terms. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Glossary A-Z. Education.com; Glossary of Research Terms. Research Mindedness Virtual Learning Resource. Centre for Human Servive Technology. University of Southampton; Miller, Robert L. and Brewer, John D. The A-Z of Social Research: A Dictionary of Key Social Science Research Concepts London: SAGE, 2003; Jupp, Victor. The SAGE Dictionary of Social and Cultural Research Methods . London: Sage, 2006.
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Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on September 5, 2024.
The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:
The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.
The five steps in this article will help you put together an effective introduction for either type of research paper.
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Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.
The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.
For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:
A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:
Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.
This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.
In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.
After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.
Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .
For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.
This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.
Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.
The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.
In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.
In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:
You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.
Although has been studied in detail, insufficient attention has been paid to . | You will address a previously overlooked aspect of your topic. |
The implications of study deserve to be explored further. | You will build on something suggested by a previous study, exploring it in greater depth. |
It is generally assumed that . However, this paper suggests that … | You will depart from the consensus on your topic, establishing a new position. |
Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.
The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).
The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.
The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.
Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.
A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.
If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.
For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:
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The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.
In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.
If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.
Scribbr’s paraphrasing tool can help you rephrase sentences to give a clear overview of your arguments.
Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.
Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.
The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.
The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:
and your problem statement
Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.
This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .
The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .
A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Caulfield, J. (2024, September 05). Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide. Scribbr. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/research-paper-introduction/
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Where to find a research paper definition of terms sample.
When writing your research paper, you want to ensure that attention is given to the minutest of details. A definition of terms may not be deemed necessary for some students, especially those who prefer taking the easier route. However, incorporating a definition of terms can greatly enhance your research paper.
This being said, if you have never seen a research paper with a definition of terms, you can find here. Otherwise to find samples of definition of terms, you can consider doing the following:
A Guide For Your Definition of Terms
When you go through the definition of terms samples that you can find here, take note that this is not a place for you to add just any terms. This is a place where you define those terms of a technical nature to the research, a term that you would not want your audience to misinterpret. If this will not add any value to your research paper, then you do not have to include a definition of terms which is optional.
Any untoward occurrence in a research participant. The occurrence need not have a clear causal relationship with the individual’s participation in the research; an AE can be any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, event, or occurrence affecting a participant’s physical, mental, social, financial, legal, or psychological well-being. An unanticipated AE should be reported to the committee as soon as possible after it is identified.
Agreement by an individual not competent to give legally valid informed consent (e.g., a child or cognitively impaired person) to participate in research. An assent is typically paired with permission from a parent or guardian, and together they comprise the informed consent to participate.
An officer of an institution with the authority to speak for and legally commit the institution to adherence to the requirements of the federal regulations regarding the involvement of human subjects in biomedical and behavioral research.
A statement of basic ethical principles governing research involving human subjects issued by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects in 1979. View a summary of the Belmont Report . The Belmont Report principles permeate human subjects research to this day.
An ethical principle discussed in the Belmont Report that entails an obligation to protect persons from harm. The principle of beneficence can be expressed in two general rules: 1) do not harm; and 2) protect from harm by maximizing possible benefits and minimizing possible risks of harm.
A valued or desired outcome associated with a research project. Anticipated benefits may express the probability that subjects and society may benefit from the research procedures. Research may benefit the individual or society as a whole. If research will not benefit individuals, it is required to provide a reasonable likelihood of resulting in benefits to society. UNLV’s human research application requests information about the direct benefits accruing to the research participants and to society. Compensation and incentives given to participants are not considered benefit.
This is a certificate issued by the National Institutes of Health that protects identifiable research information of a sensitive nature from forced disclosure. It is typically requested when the researcher believes his/her research objectives could not be met without this form of protection.
Persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatment or procedures involved in the research, as determined under the applicable law of the jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted [45 CFR 46 46.401(a)]. In Nevada, individuals younger than 18 years of age are considered children for most research situations, and informed consent then consists of the child’s assent and the parent’s permission.(See “Assent.”)
The act of forcing or compelling one to take action against one’s will. Coercion can be overt or perceived, and it can occur when the researcher is in a position of authority or power over the subject (for example, teachers over students or physicians over patients). It can also occur when incentives become so great that the participant will only participate to attain the incentive.
Having either a psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, neurosis, personality or behavior disorders, or dementia) or a developmental disorder (e.g., mental retardation) that affects cognitive or emotional functions to the extent that capacity for judgment and reasoning is significantly diminished. Others, including persons under the influence of or dependent on drugs or alcohol, those suffering from degenerative diseases affecting the brain, terminally ill patients, and persons with severely disabling physical handicaps, may also be compromised in their ability to make decisions in their best interests.
Human subjects research projects conducted by more than one institution. Each institution is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects. Arrangements for joint review, relying upon one qualified IRB, or similar arrangements are acceptable. (Please contact the ORI-HS staff if this situation occurs; they can assist with the arrangements.)
Payment for participation in research. Compensation should be appropriate for the amount of effort involved, and not excessive and thereby coercive. Compensation is NOT considered a benefit.
Technically, a legal term, used to denote capacity to act on one’s own behalf; the ability to understand information presented, to appreciate the consequences of acting (or not acting) on that information, and to make a choice. (See also: Incompetence, Incapacity)
Pertains to the treatment of information that an individual has disclosed in a relationship of trust and with the expectation that it will not be divulged to others without permission in ways that are inconsistent with the understanding of the original disclosure.
Defined as a set of conditions in which an investigator’s judgment concerning a primary interest (e.g., subject welfare, integrity of research) could be biased by a secondary interest (e.g., personal or financial gain). See information regarding UNLV’s Conflict of Interest/Compensated Outside Services Policy .
See “Informed Consent.”
Subject(s) used for comparison who are not given the treatment under study or who do not have a given condition, background, or risk factor that is the object of study. Control conditions may be concurrent (occurring more or less simultaneously with the condition under study) or historical (preceding the condition under study). When the present condition of subjects is compared with their own condition on a prior regimen or treatment, the study is considered historically controlled.
The other primary scholar or researcher involved in conducting the research. Co-PIs must also meet the UNLV PI eligibility requirements.
Giving subjects previously undisclosed information about the research project following completion of their participation in research.
A code of ethics for clinical research approved by the World Medical Association in 1964 and widely adopted by medical associations in various countries. It was revised most recently in 2008.
Any study that is not truly experimental (e.g., quasi-experimental studies, correlational studies, record reviews, case histories, and observational studies).
A legal status conferred upon persons who have not yet attained the age of legal competency as defined by state law (for such purposes as consenting to medical care), but who are entitled to treatment as if they had by virtue of assuming adult responsibilities such as marriage, procreation, or being self-supporting and not living at home. (See also “Mature Minor.”)
Fair or just; used in the context of selection of subjects to indicate that the benefits and burdens of research are fairly distributed.
The code of federal regulations (45 CFR 46.101(b)) identifies several categories of minimal risk research as exempt from the Federal Policy for the Protection of Research Subjects. This determination must not be made by the PI, but by the IRB or someone appointed by the IRB. For more information, see the U.S. Health and Human Services website, “ Exempt Research and Research That May Undergo Expedited Review .”
The code of federal regulations (45 CFR 46.110 and 21 CFR 56.110) identifies several categories of minimal risk research that may be reviewed through an expedited review process. For more information, see the U.S. Health and Human Services website on “ Guidance on Expedited Review Procedures .”
This act defines the rights of students and parents concerning reviewing, amending, and disclosing educational records and requires written permission to disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education record, except under certain circumstances such as an order of subpoena. 1
The federal policy that provides regulations for the involvement of human subjects in research. The policy applies to all research involving human subjects conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by any federal department or agency that takes appropriate administrative action to make the policy applicable to such research. Currently, 16 federal agencies have adopted this policy, commonly referred to as “The Federal Policy,” but also known as the “Common Rule.”
A formal written, binding commitment that is submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) in which an institution agrees to comply with applicable regulations governing research with human subjects and stipulates the procedures through which compliance will be achieved. UNLV’s assurance number is FWA00002305.
Review of proposed research at a convened meeting at which a majority of the membership of the IRB are present, including at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas. For the research to be approved, it must receive the approval of a majority of those members present at the meeting. Generally, studies that undergo full board review are studies involving greater than minimal risk, risky, or novel procedures or vulnerable populations.
An individual who is authorized under applicable state or local law to give permission on behalf of a child for general medical care. In Nevada, under NRS 159.0805, guardians may not give permission for a child to enter into a research study unless a court order has been obtained.
The rule which protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information. The privacy rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients specific rights with respect to that information.
Individuals whose physiological or behavioral characteristics and responses are the object of study in a research project. Under the federal regulations, human subjects are defined as living individual(s) about whom an investigator conducting research obtains: (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual; or (2) identifiable private information.
Federal regulations define identifiable to mean that the identity of the individual subject is or may readily be ascertained by the investigator or may be associated with the information.
This refers to a person’s mental status and means inability to understand information presented, to appreciate the consequences of acting (or not acting) on that information, and to make a choice. The term is often used as a synonym for incompetence.
A legal term meaning inability to manage one’s own affairs, and often used as a synonym for incapacity.
A person’s voluntary agreement, based upon adequate knowledge and understanding of relevant information, to participate in research or to undergo a diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedure. In giving informed consent, subjects may not waive or appear to waive any of their legal rights, or release or appear to release the investigator, the sponsor, the institution, or agents thereof from liability for negligence.
Institutional research (also called internal research) is the gathering of data from or about UNLV students, faculty, and staff by university offices or organizations, with the sole intent of using the data for internal informational purposes or for required data-collection purposes. This data would not be made generalizable. Examples include surveys to improve university services or procedures; ascertain the opinions, experiences, or preferences of the university community; or to provide necessary information to characterize the university community. This kind of data gathering does not require IRB review unless respondents are queried about sensitive aspects of their own behavior. For debatable projects, investigators should submit an exclusion review form to the ORI-HS.
A specially constituted, federally mandated review body established or designated by an entity to protect the welfare of human subjects recruited to participate in biomedical or behavioral research. UNLV has two IRBs – Social/Behavioral and Biomedical.
The federal regulations define interaction as “communication or interpersonal contact between investigator and subject.”
The federal regulations define intervention as both physical procedures by which data are gathered (for example, venipuncture) and manipulations of the subject or the subject’s environment that are performed for research purposes.
This refers to a researcher conducting the project. Investigators can be principal investigators or co-principal investigators. Students are always listed as student investigators.
A formal agreement between UNLV and another FWA-holding institution that allows the one IRB to serve as the “IRB of Record” for protocols involving collaborative research between UNLV and the other institution.
A term utilized when an institution assumes the IRB responsibilities for a human subject research protocol conducted at another institution. An IRB authorization agreement signed by institutional officials at both institutions is required.
An ethical principle discussed in the Belmont Report requiring fairness in distribution of burdens and benefits; those that bear the burdens of research should also receive the benefits. There must be fair and equitable selection of subjects.
A person authorized either by statute or by court appointment to make decisions on behalf of another person. In human subjects research, an individual or judicial or other body authorized under applicable law to consent on behalf of a prospective subject to the subject’s participation in the procedure(s) involved in the research.
Someone who has not reached adulthood (as defined by state law) but who may be treated as an adult for certain purposes (e.g., consenting to medical care). Note that a mature minor is not necessarily an emancipated minor. (See also “Emancipated Minor.”)
A risk is minimal when the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the proposed research are not greater, in and of themselves, than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests. For example, the risk of drawing a small amount of blood from a healthy individual for research purposes is no greater than the risk of doing so as part of routine physical examination. Note: The definition of minimal risk for research involving prisoners differs somewhat from that given for non-institutionalized adults.
Any change to an IRB-approved study protocol, regardless of the level of review it receives initially.
A federally mandated member of an Institutional Review Board who has no ties to the parent institution, its staff, or faculty. This individual is usually from the local community (e.g., business person, attorney, or teacher).
A code of research ethics developed during the trials of Nazi war criminals following World War II and widely adopted as a standard during the 1950s and 1960s for protecting human subjects.
The office within the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for implementing DHHS regulations (45CFR46) governing research involving human subjects.
The UNLV office, formerly known as the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS), that serves as an administrative hub for the UNLV IRB’s oversight of human subjects research.
The agreement of parent(s) to the participation of their child in research.
The scientist or scholar with primary responsibility for the design and conduct of a research project. See UNLV’s PI Eligibility Policy for those who are eligible for automatic PI status and how to apply for PI status.
An individual involuntarily confined in a penal institution, including persons: 1) sentenced under a criminal or civil statue; 2) detained pending arraignment, trial, or sentencing; and 3) detained in other facilities (e.g., for drug detoxification or treatment of alcoholism) under statutes or commitment procedures providing such alternatives to criminal prosecution or incarceration in a penal institution. Note that this includes adjudicated youth.
Control over the extent, timing, and circumstances of disclosing personal information (physical, behavioral, or intellectual) with others.
Defined by the federal regulations to include information about behavior that occurs in a context in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation or recording is taking place. It also includes information that has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (e.g., a medical record). Private information must be individually identifiable (i.e., the identity of the subject is or may readily be ascertained by the investigator or associated with the information) in order for the acquisition of the information to constitute research involving human subjects.
Studies designed to observe outcomes or events that occur subsequent to the identification of the group of subjects to be studied. Prospective studies need not involve manipulation or intervention but may be purely observational or involve only the collection of data.
Applies to survey research conducted in schools and states that parents have the right to inspect surveys and questionnaires distributed within schools. This amendment also specifies that parental permission must be obtained to have minors participate in surveys that disclose certain types of sensitive information. 1
The formal design or plan of an experiment or research study; specifically, the plan submitted to an IRB for review and to an agency for research support. The protocol includes a description of the research design or methodology to be employed, the eligibility requirements for prospective subjects and controls, the treatment regimen(s), and the proposed methods of analysis that will be performed on the collected data.
A systematic investigation (i.e., the gathering and analysis of information) designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.
An ethical principle discussed in the Belmont Report requiring that individual autonomy be respected and persons with diminished autonomy be protected.
Research conducted by reviewing records from the past (e.g., birth and death certificates, medical records, school records, or employment records) or by obtaining information about past events elicited through interviews or surveys. Case control studies are an example of this type of research. This requires IRB review, as long as it involves private information about humans.
The probability of harm or injury (physical, psychological, social, or economic) occurring as a result of participation in a research study. Both the probability and magnitude of possible harm may vary from minimal to significant. Risks include immediate risks of study participation as well as risks of long-term effects.
This involves two types of data: 1) data collected by someone other than the principal investigator for a research or non-research purpose, or 2) data that was collected by the principal investigator, but when collected was not intended to be used for human subjects research. For data to be considered secondary data, the data must exist prior to the initiation of the current research study or be “on the shelf” at the time of study initiation. Principal investigators must submit and receive approval for use of secondary human subjects data prior to initiation of the project.
A visit by agency officials, representatives, or consultants to the location of a research activity to assess the adequacy of IRB protection of human subjects or the capability of personnel to conduct the research.
“Participant” is the preferred term since it more correctly portrays the participatory aspects of research. Sometimes “subject” more accurately describes the role.
Free of coercion, duress, or undue inducement or influence. Used in the research context to refer to a subject’s decision to participate (or to continue to participate) in a research activity.
Insight from top 5 papers.
Definition of terms in a research paper refers to the clarification and explanation of key concepts, terms, and terminology used in the study. It helps readers understand the specific meanings and context of these terms within the research. The definition of terms is typically provided in the introduction or literature review section of the paper. It ensures that there is a common understanding of the terminology used throughout the research, avoiding any confusion or misinterpretation. The definition of terms also helps establish the scope and boundaries of the study, providing a clear framework for the research. [1] [2]
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A variety of technical terms are utilized across different research fields. In computer science, a study identified 769 technical words specific to the field . In neuroscience, terms like 10–20 system, 3D-MPRAGE, AC-PC, baseline condition, block design, and BOLD are commonly employed . Advertising research explores the impact of technical terms on consumer attitudes, highlighting the effectiveness of using and explaining such terms in ads . Shipping science emphasizes the importance of mastering technical terms, especially numeralia, for students in the field . In Chinese information processing, technical term automatic extraction methods, such as CRF models combined with rule-based post-processing, have been developed with high efficiency in identifying technical terms, reaching an F-value of 84.4% in experiments .
In tourism research, terms are crucial for understanding the multidimensional nature of the field. One example of a definition of terms in tourism research is the World Tourism Organisation's definition of tourists as individuals "travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes" . This definition highlights the diverse motivations behind travel and the impact of tourism on economic, social, and cultural environments . Additionally, tourism as a phenomenon of civilization involves the realization of individual needs through the diversification of opportunities and competencies, creating a discourse that reflects the multidimensionality of goals, themes, and values in the tourism sector . Such definitions play a vital role in shaping the research landscape and understanding the complexities of the tourism industry.
Research is associated with various words such as investigation, knowledge, new technologies, new solutions, inquiry, search, analysis, discipline, and research behavior .
Research can be defined as a systematic and well-defined process of searching for knowledge or formulating theories to expand the existing knowledge base. It involves the formulation of hypotheses, data analysis, and deductions to ascertain whether the conclusions fit the hypothesis. Research is a process of creating or formulating knowledge that does not yet exist . It is the generation of new knowledge, distinguishing it from other activities that seek information or gain new knowledge without adding to the existing knowledge base . Research is a scientific examination that involves careful exploration, enquiry, and standardized efforts to increase new knowledge . It is a rigorous problem-solving process that aims to discover new knowledge through systematic, logical, empirical, and replicable methods . Research is a systematic investigation into materials and sources to establish facts, reach new conclusions, and establish theories that resonate with the reader .
Researchers use different definitions for several reasons. Firstly, the variation in definitions can arise from methodological differences in sampling designs, statistical analyses, and interpretations of the same definition . This can make cross-study comparisons challenging and obscure our understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Secondly, the lack of consensus on definitions can lead to confusion and misunderstanding among researchers, postgraduate students, and consumers of research . Additionally, different disciplines may use terminologies differently, further contributing to the inconsistency in definitions . Lastly, the use of different definitions can result in a wide range of reported rates or outcomes, making it difficult to compare results between studies . Therefore, there is a need for consensus and harmonization in defining terms to ensure consistency and facilitate meaningful comparisons in research .
The discrimination and exploitation of persons with disabilities in jails in Mindanao stem from a complex interplay of systemic barriers, societal attitudes, and inadequate legal frameworks. These factors contribute to the marginalization and vulnerability of individuals with disabilities within the correctional system. ## Systemic Discrimination - **Cultural and Ethnic Bias**: Systemic discrimination based on cultural and ethnic differences exacerbates the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing justice and rehabilitation services. - **Lack of Awareness**: Insufficient knowledge among prison staff regarding disabilities leads to inadequate support and perpetuates discriminatory practices. ## Socioeconomic Factors - **Poverty and Accessibility**: Economic hardships limit access to necessary rehabilitation services, further entrenching the cycle of discrimination. - **Inadequate Infrastructure**: Poor facilities in jails hinder mobility and independence for inmates with disabilities, violating their rights to fair treatment. ## Legal and Policy Gaps - **Insufficient Legal Protections**: Existing laws often lack clear procedures for the treatment of disabled inmates, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. While these factors highlight significant challenges, it is essential to recognize that some initiatives aim to improve conditions for persons with disabilities in correctional facilities. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited by the overarching systemic issues.
Cultural perspectives significantly influence the understanding of embodiment and well-being, shaping how individuals perceive their bodies, health, and mental states. This interplay manifests in various ways across different cultures. ## Cultural Models of Health - Different cultures have unique illness models that affect health care interactions. For instance, Western models often emphasize individualism, while non-Western models may prioritize community and relational aspects. - Cultural beliefs about mental health can lead to varying interpretations of symptoms and treatment approaches, as seen in traditional Asian medicine and American Indian concepts of mental health. ## Self-Perception and Agency - The concept of self varies across cultures, influencing psychological agency. Western cultures often promote intrinsic motivation and personal responsibility, while collectivist cultures may emphasize obligations to family and community. - This divergence affects how individuals embody their experiences, with Euro-Americans focusing on personal perspectives and Asian Americans often embodying others' viewpoints. While cultural perspectives enrich our understanding of embodiment and well-being, they can also lead to misunderstandings in cross-cultural contexts, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches in health psychology.
The perception and attitude towards mental health and psychological help differ significantly between mothers and fathers, influenced by various social and cultural factors. Research indicates that mothers generally exhibit a higher tendency to seek professional help for mental health issues, often due to their roles and perceived support systems. ## Gender Differences in Help-Seeking Behavior - Mothers are more likely than fathers to utilize mental health services, particularly for light to moderate issues, reflecting societal norms and expectations associated with gender roles. - The relationship status of mothers with biological fathers significantly impacts their perception of support, which in turn affects their mental health outcomes. ## Attitudes Toward Children's Mental Health - Parents' attitudes towards their children's mental health issues are shaped by socioeconomic factors, with mothers often more proactive in seeking help. - Both mothers and fathers express reluctance to seek help for their children, although they are more willing to refer others to professional services, indicating a gap in personal help-seeking behavior. In contrast, some studies suggest that fathers may feel marginalized in discussions about mental health, leading to a lack of engagement in seeking help for their children. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities in perceptions and attitudes.
The healthcare systems of China and Thailand exhibit both similarities and differences, particularly in their approaches to universal health coverage (UHC) and primary healthcare (PHC). Both nations have made significant strides in achieving high insurance coverage, yet they face distinct challenges and governance structures. ## Universal Health Coverage Approaches - **Thailand** employs a tax-based model for UHC, emphasizing broad stakeholder participation in governance, which enhances responsiveness. - **China**, on the other hand, utilizes a health insurance model that has led to financial hardships for many due to a fragmented system and out-of-pocket expenses. ## Primary Healthcare Integration - Thailand's healthcare system is characterized by strong government oversight, resulting in better integration and outcomes in PHC. - Conversely, China's decentralized approach has created systemic barriers, undermining the effectiveness of its PHC initiatives. While both countries strive for UHC, Thailand's participatory governance contrasts with China's more centralized, yet fragmented, insurance schemes. This divergence highlights the importance of governance structures in shaping healthcare outcomes.
The Health Belief Model (HBM) has been extensively utilized to explore various aspects of mental health, as evidenced by multiple studies. For instance, the model has been applied to understand the mental health challenges faced by university students, where factors such as perceived stress and lack of sleep were identified as significant influences on mental health, suggesting that interventions targeting these factors could promote flourishing mental health among students . Additionally, the HBM has been used to examine help-seeking intentions among Asian American and White American students experiencing psychological distress. This study highlighted that perceived severity and barriers were related to help-seeking intentions, with Asian Americans perceiving greater barriers, which did not significantly explain racial differences in help-seeking intentions, thus emphasizing the need for outreach efforts that highlight the benefits of seeking mental health services . Furthermore, the model has been applied to understand the mental health implications during the COVID-19 pandemic, where self-efficacy was found to influence mental health outcomes through risk perception and coping strategies, indicating that higher self-efficacy was associated with lower risk perception and better mental health . The HBM has also been used to conceptualize mental health care utilization, proposing that individuals are more likely to engage in mental health services when they perceive the problem as serious, believe in the effectiveness of the intervention, and perceive few barriers to action . Moreover, the model's constructs, such as perceived barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, and threat, have been explored in communication research to understand their role in behavior change, with findings suggesting complex interactions among these variables, including moderated and serial mediation effects . In the context of cognitive aging, the HBM has been employed to explore the relationship between health beliefs, lifestyle, and cognitive function, revealing that positive beliefs promote successful cognitive aging through lifestyle changes, while negative beliefs hinder it . Additionally, the model has been applied to understand the relationship between health beliefs and oral health behaviors, which are linked to dental anxiety, suggesting that perceived susceptibility and severity of oral diseases can influence mental health outcomes like anxiety . The HBM has also been used to explore high-risk sexual behavior in Chinese men who have sex with men, where perceived susceptibility and severity, along with sociocultural cues, were found to influence health behaviors, providing insights for behavioral interventions . Lastly, the cognitive science of belief has been suggested as a transformative approach to understanding psychiatric disorders, indicating the potential for the HBM to contribute to this field by elucidating belief acquisition and change processes in mental health contexts . Collectively, these studies demonstrate the versatility and applicability of the Health Belief Model in exploring various dimensions of mental health, offering valuable insights for developing targeted interventions and public health strategies.
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A key term is a term that holds significant importance or plays a crucial role within the context of a research paper. It is a term that encapsulates a core concept, idea, or variable that is central to the study. Key terms are often essential for understanding the research objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
Terms. A word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express concept, especially In a particular kind of language or branch of study. Guidelines in defining terms: 1. Definition of terms works like a glossary but have a different twist. It is placed on the beginning of the research paper to tell the meaning of the terms used in the said paper.
The study is intended to describe the methods of defining terms found in the theses of the English Foreign Language (EFL) students of IAIN Palangka Raya. The method to be used is a mixed method, qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative approach was used to identify, describe the frequencies, and classify the methods of defining terms.
The class of object or concept to which the term belongs. The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class. For example: Water (term) is a liquid (class) made up of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2 to 1 (differentiating characteristics). Comic books (term) are sequential and narrative ...
• Define terms that are fundamental for your dissertation; ... Here is an example: Let us pretend we are doing research on nurturing international business research through global value chains literature. You do not need to include definitions for research, business, international, global, etc. These terms are common knowledge and are mostly
Introductory phrases. [which is] concerned with the measurement, causes, and consequences of social problems. which consists of three elements or components: (1) a question, problem, or hypothesis, (2) data, and (3) analysis and interpretation of data. of touch reading and writing for blind people in which raised dots on paper represent the ...
research terminologies in educational research. It provides definitions of many of the terms used in the guidebooks to conducting qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods of research. The terms are arranged in alphabetical order. Abstract A brief summary of a research project and its findings. A summary of a study that
Key terms are the "means of exchange" in disciplines. You gain entry into the discussion by demonstrating how well you know and understand them. Some disciplinary keywords can be tricky because they mean one thing in ordinary speech but can mean something different in the discipline. For instance, in ordinary speech, we use the word shadow ...
You will then explicate the definition of each term that you have identified to best represent your understanding and application of each term in your dissertation. Generally, a component of Definitions and Terms is to ground the definitions using the literature. Specifically, a component of Definitions and Terms is to establish how the key ...
For videos discussing the other parts of the Research Paper, here are the links:WRITING THE RESEARCH TITLE - https://youtu.be/hkh9WIleVEMWRITING THE BACKGROU...
Revised on July 18, 2023. A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it's a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. Your glossary only needs to include terms that your reader may not be familiar with, and it's intended to enhance their ...
Terms. Abstract: a brief summary of an information source, such as a journal article or paper. An abstract appears at the beginning of the work, and it outlines the work's key points and arguments. Citation: a quotation from or a reference to a book, paper, author, etc.Citations are used in the body of your paper to tell your readers the source ...
Correlation: 1) A common statistical analysis, usually abbreviated as r, that measures the degree of relationship between pairs of interval variables in a sample. The range of correlation is from -1.00 to zero to +1.00. 2) A non-cause and effect relationship between two variables.
Research Terms and Definitions. 1. Delimitations: address how the study will be narrowed in scope. 2. Descriptive statistics: those statistics that describe, organize, and summarize data (frequencies, percentages, descriptions of central tendency and descriptions of relative position). 3.
Introduction. One section that is often required in a dissertation is the "Definitions of Terms.". This gives your readers an understanding of the concepts or factors that will be discussed throughout your study, as well as contextual information as to how you will be using those concepts in your study. The "Definitions of Terms ...
Construct-- refers to any of the following: something that exists theoretically but is not directly observable; a concept developed [constructed] for describing relations among phenomena or for other research purposes; or, a theoretical definition in which concepts are defined in terms of other concepts. For example, intelligence cannot be ...
Glossary of Common Research Terms Term Definition Abstract This is a brief summary of a research study and its results. It should tell you why the study was done, how the researchers ... members of the public in the research process. For example, members of the public might take part in an advisory group for a research study, or collaborate ...
Table of contents. Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
Use the internet and plug the terms into your favorite search engines. If you do choose the option of using the Internet, find here useful samples. Make use of a handbook for research papers which normally have samples there that you can copy and utilize as a guide. A Guide For Your Definition of Terms. When you go through the definition of ...
For example, the risk of drawing a small amount of blood from a healthy individual for research purposes is no greater than the risk of doing so as part of routine physical examination. Note: The definition of minimal risk for research involving prisoners differs somewhat from that given for non-institutionalized adults. Modification
Load More Papers. Definition of terms in a research paper refers to the clarification and explanation of key concepts, terms, and terminology used in the study. It helps readers understand the specific meanings and context of these terms within the research. The definition of terms is typically provided in the introduction or literature review ...
Subcategories of microplastic linked to source have since been described, including the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' microplastics, but this terminology has not been used consistently ().This is especially so for particles and fibers generated by wear, with multiple publications considering these to be primary microplastics [e.g., (13-15)], the remainder considering them as ...