Free HSC Community & Family Studies Flashcard Review

Sequential stages of research: selecting a topic, reviewing literature, formulating hypotheses/questions, designing methodology, collecting data, analysing findings, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.

Information collected directly by the researcher for the first time through observations, surveys, interviews, experiments, or focus groups; original data not previously published.

Information already collected and published by others, including books, journals, government statistics, media reports, and existing research that researchers analyse for new purposes.

Numerical information expressed as statistics, percentages, measurements, and frequencies; analysed using mathematical and statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships.

Non-numerical information describing qualities, characteristics, and experiences; expressed through words, themes, and meanings; analysed through coding, categorising, and interpretation.

Selecting a subset of a population to study; methods include random (every person has equal chance), stratified (dividing population into groups), convenience (accessible subjects), and purposive (selecting specific relevant cases).

The degree to which a research instrument or method measures what it claims to measure; ensures results are accurate and reflect the true construct being studied.

The consistency and reproducibility of research findings; a reliable instrument produces the same results when applied repeatedly under similar conditions.

Systematic distortion or error in research that favours particular outcomes; sources include researcher bias, sampling bias, social desirability bias, and cultural bias; undermines validity and reliability.

Guidelines including informed consent (participants understand study purpose), confidentiality (protecting identity), right to withdraw, minimising harm, and ethical approval; ensures research respects human dignity.

Primary research technique where researchers systematically watch and record behaviour and interactions in natural or controlled settings; can be participant (researcher involved) or non-participant (observer only).

Primary qualitative research involving direct one-on-one or group conversations; unstructured (open-ended), semi-structured (guide with flexibility), or structured (standardised questions); generates rich detailed responses.

Primary research using questionnaires distributed to large samples; can be quantitative (closed questions, statistics) or qualitative (open-ended responses); cost-effective but may have low response rates.

Qualitative primary method involving facilitated discussion with 6–12 participants about specific topics; generates rich qualitative data through group interaction and diverse perspectives.

Testable prediction about the relationship between variables; stated before data collection; either supported or not supported by findings; guides research design and data analysis.

Multiple interconnected aspects of quality of life including physical (health, nutrition, exercise), mental (emotional stability, confidence), social (relationships, belonging), spiritual (meaning, values), and economic (resources, security).

Tangible goods and financial assets that support group members' wellbeing, including food, housing, income, equipment, technology, and services; essential for meeting basic needs.

Skills, knowledge, experience, and capabilities of group members; includes education, expertise, emotional support, and social networks; enables groups to achieve goals and support each other.

Networks, relationships, community connections, and support systems available to group members; includes family, friends, community organisations, and formal support services that strengthen group functioning.

Expected functions and responsibilities of individuals within a group; formal (appointed positions) or informal (naturally assumed); clear roles enhance coordination, accountability, and group effectiveness.