[Year]
Flashcards pre-MSc
research skills
RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN – PRE-MSC
ACCOUNTANCY & CONTROLLING
, Chapter I: Why science?
Question Answer
What are the three goals of science? 1. To describe through systematic observation.
2. To explain by identifying the causes of
behavior.
3. To predict future behaviors based on
observed relationships.
What are empirical questions? Questions that can be answered through
systematic observation.
What is systematic empiricism? The method of learning through careful
observation and analysis.
Why is public knowledge important in science? It allows for collaboration and self-correction by
sharing research findings.
What distinguishes basic from applied Basic research seeks understanding; applied
research? research solves practical problems.
How can research be both basic and applied? Many studies enhance theoretical
understanding while addressing real-world
problems.
How does science act as a social process? Through cumulative knowledge built over time
by many researchers.
Why is publication essential in science? It enables the scientific community to verify,
critique, and expand on findings.
Chapter II: Thinking Like a Researcher
Question Answer
What is a concept? Basic notions or ideas used in research, such as
customer satisfaction and leadership.
What is a construct? Specific types of concepts developed for
scientific research purposes, like employee
satisfaction
What is the difference between a concept and a A construct can be multi-dimensional, while a
construct? concept is more concrete.
What is a variable? Measurable traits or characteristics that vary
between individuals or over time; identifying
them is critical for forming a research study.
Which sorts of variables are there? Independent, dependent, moderating,
mediating or control variables.
What is a conceptual model? The relationships between a set of related
constructs.
What is a conceptual definition? A theoretical explanation of what a construct
means.
What is an operational definition? The specific way a construct is measured in
research.
How do causal questions differ from Causal questions explore cause-and-effect
comparison questions? relationships, while comparison questions focus
on understanding differences or similarities
between variables.
What are descriptive questions in research? Questions that aim to describe a phenomenon,
e.g., “What are the key factors influencing X?
Flashcards pre-MSc
research skills
RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN – PRE-MSC
ACCOUNTANCY & CONTROLLING
, Chapter I: Why science?
Question Answer
What are the three goals of science? 1. To describe through systematic observation.
2. To explain by identifying the causes of
behavior.
3. To predict future behaviors based on
observed relationships.
What are empirical questions? Questions that can be answered through
systematic observation.
What is systematic empiricism? The method of learning through careful
observation and analysis.
Why is public knowledge important in science? It allows for collaboration and self-correction by
sharing research findings.
What distinguishes basic from applied Basic research seeks understanding; applied
research? research solves practical problems.
How can research be both basic and applied? Many studies enhance theoretical
understanding while addressing real-world
problems.
How does science act as a social process? Through cumulative knowledge built over time
by many researchers.
Why is publication essential in science? It enables the scientific community to verify,
critique, and expand on findings.
Chapter II: Thinking Like a Researcher
Question Answer
What is a concept? Basic notions or ideas used in research, such as
customer satisfaction and leadership.
What is a construct? Specific types of concepts developed for
scientific research purposes, like employee
satisfaction
What is the difference between a concept and a A construct can be multi-dimensional, while a
construct? concept is more concrete.
What is a variable? Measurable traits or characteristics that vary
between individuals or over time; identifying
them is critical for forming a research study.
Which sorts of variables are there? Independent, dependent, moderating,
mediating or control variables.
What is a conceptual model? The relationships between a set of related
constructs.
What is a conceptual definition? A theoretical explanation of what a construct
means.
What is an operational definition? The specific way a construct is measured in
research.
How do causal questions differ from Causal questions explore cause-and-effect
comparison questions? relationships, while comparison questions focus
on understanding differences or similarities
between variables.
What are descriptive questions in research? Questions that aim to describe a phenomenon,
e.g., “What are the key factors influencing X?
