Coding refers to the process of categorising and labelling data (usually qualitative data) to identify patterns, themes, or concepts. Researchers assign codes to segment of text or other data based on their meaning or relevance.
It occurs when the code violates the rules of the language or contain logical flaws. Syntax errors are violations of language rules (e.g., missing semicolons, brackets, or incorrect indentation).
Cognitive factors refer to mental processes, abilities, and functions that influence human behaviour and decision-making. These factors include memory, attention, perception, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Colloquial language consists of informal, everyday expressions and phrases commonly used in spoken communication. It often differs from formal or academic language.
Comparative research involves comparing two or more groups, variables, or phenomena to identify similarities, differences, or relationships. It aims to understand patterns across different contexts.
A competing proposal refers to an alternative research project or hypothesis that competes with primary proposal under consideration. Researchers evaluate and choose between competing proposals.
A computer is an electronic device that processes data, performs calculations, and executes instructions using software programs. Computers are essential tools for data analysis, simulations, and modelling in research.
A concept represents an abstract idea, category, or mental construct that researchers study. Concepts can be tangible, for example, ‘temperature’ or intangible, for example, ‘trust’.
Conceptual analysis is a method used to examine and clarify abstract concepts or ideas within a specific context. It aims to uncover the underlying principles, theories, or models that inform a concept.
Conceptual explication is a process of providing a detailed and precise explanation of a concept. It involves defining the essential features, boundaries, and relationships associated with a particular term.
A conceptual framework is a structured approach to organising and understanding complex ideas, theories, or concepts. It provides a systematic way of thinking about a problem or topic and guides research or analysis in a particular field.
Conceptual research involves observing and analysing existing information or theories related to a topic. It doesn’t require practical experiments but focuses on abstract concepts or ideas.
Conceptualisation is defining and specifying the key concepts in research to avoid misinterpretation. It establishes the first step in the measurement process by breaking down complex concepts into simplified, accessible concepts.
Conclusive research is meant to provide information that is useful in reaching conclusions or decision-making. It is commonly quantitative as based on numbers to verify conclusions.
Concurrent validity assesses how well a new measurement or test correlates with an established measure of the same construct administered simultaneously.
Confidentiality in the context of human research to the investigator’s agreement with participants about how their identifiable private information will be handled, managed, and disseminated.
Confirmability relates to the objectivity and neutrality of research findings. It ensures that the researcher’s biases do not influence data interpretation.
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out and favour information that supports our pre-existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing conflicting data.
Conformability in qualitative research refers to the level of confidence that research findings are shaped by participants’ narratives and words rather researcher biases.