Table 2.

Glossary of Selected Research Terms

Causal Relationship

A relationship between two variables such that the presence or absence of one variable (the “cause”) determines the presence or absence, or value, of the other (the “effect”).

Correlation

A tendency for variation in one variable to be related to variation in another variable.

Empirical Evidence

Evidence that is rooted in objective reality and gathered through the collection of data using one's senses; used as the basis for generating knowledge through the scientific approach.

Population

The entire set of individuals (or objects) having some common characteristic(s) (e.g., all RNs in the state of California); sometimes referred to as a universe.

Prediction

One of the aims of the scientific approach; the use of empirical evidence to make forecasts about how variables of interest will behave in a new setting and with different individuals.

Relationship

A bond or a connection between two or more variables.

Variable

A characteristic or attribute of a person or object that varies (i.e., takes on different values) within the population under study (e.g., body temperature, age, heart rate).