Basic Research Terms:
Some of the basic terms that are defined in this section are:
Assumptions Operational Definitions
Variables Delimitation and Limitation
Hypothesis
Assumptions
To begin with, certain things the researcher decides that have been sufficiently well demonstrated by other studies or are systematically observed to be true. These the researcher believes or assumes that they are true and are called as assumptions. A researcher is entitled to make assumptions in terms of his/ her perceptions based on findings of .other studies, systematic observations made by the researcher andlor based on general theories. Assumptions drawn in a study are not tested for its validity in that study but may be taken up in the another study if the researcher felt that there are not enough evidences to support the assumptions stated. Assumptions are important but are made very carefully after a thorough review of literature.
Assumptions need to be evaluated by examining the foundation on which they are. Therefore, the researcher has to have a sound sense of judgment to draw the research assumptions.
Variables:
The characteristics, attributes or phenomena under study are called variables. You must identify, define and quantify them. It is easy to define some variable, e.g. age, height or weight. Here the data consists of measurement of the characteristics of age in years, Monday or days, height can be measured in inches or centimeters and weights in pounds or kilograms. Some variables require definition in a measurable term. For example, in a study of growth pattern of children "growth is the variable, then it needs to be defined in a measurable term.