Qualitative Research Synthesis Essay

1. Hypotheses-(McMillan, 2012, p.47) simply put, a hypothesis is an educated guess. I use a hypothesis as a starting point for my research in search for an outcome. For example, it is my hypothesis that eating carrots improves vision.

2. Meta-analysis-(McMillan, 2012, p.71) is a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative data from other studies within the field of study to be combined for the research. I will use meta-analysis for research in order provide evidence of racial disparities on prison sentencing to compare their findings.

3. Refereed-(McMillan, 2012, p.72) A publication would be considered refereed if it has been vetted by experts on the subject matter to determine the quality of the material being presented. Furthermore, my practice is to use refereed publications to authenticate the integrity of research by referencing trusted resources. An example of refereed material would be located in the libraries of

universities, colleges or other legitimate post –secondary institutions. The Journal of Phycology is a scholarly referred journal.

4.

Triangulation-(McMillan, 2012 p.109) A process where different sources collaborate to provide information to address the same question. I would use triangulation to introduce distinctive point of views in order to provide a reasonable outcome for a question.

For example, the effects of long term diving can be described by interviewing retired divers, reviewing medical records or research studies.

5. Measurement-(McMillan, 2012 p.117) the process of assigning to mark a significant event during a process where results are determined for quantitative purposes. Measurements can be used to find out the increases in the high-school dropout rates in the U.S. from year to year.

6. Median-(McMillan, 2012 p.128) the book describes as the middle score of a distribution. As an example, I would use the median as the midpoint while interpreting data measurements.

7. Reliability-(McMillan, 2012 p.131) is a constant the repeats in the same manner with minimal deviations. For example, in research, a publication can be reliable for a credible

source.

8. Equivalence-(McMillan, 2012 p.138) is the process of administering two separate tests, from equivalent sources with expectations of similar results. For example, there is academic test that has equivalence sentence questions, which mean there are two correct answers.
9. Halo Effect-(McMillan, 2012 p.166) is used to influence an audience by allowing first impressions to be presented before observations. An attractive picture of a person can be used to “grease the wheels” in order to convince a potential employer to hire a recommended candidate.

10. Leading Question-(McMillan, 2012 p.168) a question used to solicit a desired answer or result that lacks objectivity. Lawyer may use a leading question to a witness to persuade a jury.
11. Baseline-(McMillan, 2012 p.238) is the starting point of a behavior before an intervention. For example, an EKG can be used a baseline of heart function before surgery.
12. Participant Observer-(McMillan, 2012 p.288) A participant in a study where the observer is actually the subject. I was a test subject for hyper oxygenation using a recompression chamber for a school assignment in Hyperbaric Medicine.

13. Standardized Aptitude Tests- (McMillan, 2012 p.151) is a measure of intelligence used as a predictor for future academic or occupational performances. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an example of a standardized Aptitude Test.

14. Likert Scale-(McMillan, 2012 p.157) is a scale used to measure positive or negative agreement, which can be utilized in questionnaires. For example, Survey Monkey uses this scaling method.

15. Checklist-(McMillan, 2012 p.159) this list is an important instrument for research. It provides several options for respondents to select. An example of a checklist is an inventory of items needed for a research assignment.

16. Observer Bias-(McMillan, 2012 p.165) are personal assumptions or preconceptions that researchers present to their observations, which can skew or aid in the results. An example would be a veteran diver observing how a new diver cleans the propeller of a ship, and challenging him to start at top and work down.

17. Interview-(McMillan, 2012 p.167) is a formal meeting whereas an interviewer acquires data by selecting a number of verbal or written questions for the interviewee to answer. A person who wants to be a subject for a case study usually requires an interview in order to find out if the candidate is suitable.

18. Research Design-(McMillan, 2012 p.151) refers to a strategy for acquiring information in order to integrate different components for research. For example, descriptive, comparative, correlational and ex post facto are four nonexperimental research designs.

19. Relationship-(McMillan, 2012 p.178) is an association or correspondence between two variables systematically interacting with each other.

20. Ex Post Facto-(McMillan, 2012 p.194) is Latin for “after the fact.” It is a method for research to investigate a cause and effect by going chromatically back in time in order to seek a plausible cause for an event that occurs in the present. For example, African-American students find it more challenging for academic and economic equality due to the legacy of Slavery.

21. History-(McMillan, 2012 p.213) in research is the unpredictable events that may have a significant effect on a dependent variable. For example, student improve test scores if they eat breakfast. The history can affect the test scores if the same students did not get enough sleep the night before or had crisis before the test was taken.

22. Maturation-(McMillan, 2012 p.216) is the process in which characteristics of participants change over time that may impact the results or history. For example, getting married at 18 success rate is lower than marriage at 28 due to maturation.

23. Subject Attrition-(McMillan, 2012 p.218) is a threat to researchers in which subjects may drop out of the study before the results are concluded. For example, subject attrition is high for weight loss studies due to the behavioral effects of returning previous eating habits.

24. Interactions-(McMillan, 2012 p.234) is an effect where one variable differs from two independent variables. For example, if a person consumes 1 drink per hour; it would take longer for intoxication, than from one who consumes 5 drinks per hour.

25. Null Hypothesis-(McMillan, 2012 p.251) is a hypothesis that has no difference in an observation or variables. Usually it goes through a verification process in which it is either rejected or accepted. For example, there is no difference in my grade if I write my research paper at night rather than in the morning.