Qualitative data

Cross Sources:  Quantitative data, Result Definition:  Data in which the values of a variable differ in kind (quality) rather than in amount Reference:  Bordens, K.S., & Abbott, B.B. (1997).

Qualitative methods

Cross Sources:  Qualitative, Ethnographies, Critical ethnography, Grounded theory, Case study, Phenomenological studies Definition:  Any inquiry process designed to increase understanding of a social or human problem through building a complex, holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting Reference:  Creswell, J.W. (1998).

Qualitative study

Cross Sources:  Qualitative, Ethnographies, Critical ethnography, Grounded theory, Case study, Phenomenological studies, Quantitative study Definition:  An inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem, based on building a complex, holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting Reference:  Creswell, J.W. (1998).

Qualitative theory

Cross Sources:  Quantitative theory Definition:  A theory in which terms are expressed verbally rather than mathematically. Qualitative theory states that reality is viewed as subjective and multiple and the research is an inductive process with mutual simultaneous shaping of factors which are context-bound. Reference:  Creswell, J.W. (1998).

Quality

Cross Sources:  Student outcomes, Efficiency Definition:  The degree to which an institution of higher education is fitted to its purpose, satisfactory to the clients, and of a quality grade equivalent to other (institutions of higher education). Reference:  Giertz, B. (1999).

Quantitative data

Cross Sources:  Qualitative data, Result Definition:  Data in which the values of a variable differ in amount rather than in kind Reference:  Bordens, K.S., & Abbott, B.B. (1997).

Quantitative skills

Cross Sources:  Computational skills, Statistics Definition:  The ability to apply arithmetic operations, either alone or sequentially, using numbers embedded in printed materials to solve a problem. Reference:

Quantitative study

Cross Sources:  Qualitative study Definition:  An inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem, based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers, and analyzed with statistical procedures, in order to determine whither the predictive generalizations of the theory hold true. Reference:  Creswell, J.W. (1998).

Quantitative theory

Cross Sources:  Qualitative theory Definition:  A theory in which terms are expressed numerically rather than verbally. Quantitative theory states that reality is objective, singular and apart from the observer and that research is a deductive process with context-free cause and effect relationships. Generalizations from these relationships lead to prediction, explanation, and understanding. Reference:  Creswell, J.W. (1998).

Quasi-experimental design

Cross Sources:  Measurement Definition:  Is an investigation that has all the elements of an experiment, except that subjects are not randomly assigned to groups. Reference:  Pedhazur, E.J., & Pedhazur-Schmelkin, L. (1991).

Questionnaire

Cross Sources:  Survey Definition:  A list of questions concerning a particular topic administered to a group of individuals to obtain information concerning their preferences, beliefs, interests, and behavior Reference:  Aiken, L. (1994); Borden, V., & Zak-Owens, J. (2001).

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For any comments regarding new terms or suggested definitions for this Dictionary, please write to :   assessment@jmu.edu. Thank you.