Kumar-2011-Research-Methodology_-A-Step-by-Step-Guide-for-Beginners

Glossary 401
elements from other intervals is dependent upon the order of the element selected in the
first interval. If in the first interval it is the fifth element, the fifth element of each subsequent
interval will be chosen.
Table of random numbers: Most books on research methodology and statistics have tables
that contain randomly generated numbers. There is a specific way of selecting a random
sample using these tables.
Tables offer a useful way of presenting analysed data in a small space that brings clarity to the
text and serves as a quick point of reference. There are different types of tables housing data
pertaining to one, two or more variables.
Thematic writing: A style of writing which is written around main themes.
Theoretical framework: As you start reading the literature, you will soon discover that
the problem you wish to investigate has its roots in a number of theories that have been
developed from different perspectives. The information obtained from different sources
needs to be sorted under the main themes and theories, highlighting agreements and
disagreements among the authors. This process of structuring a ‘network’ of these theories
that directly or indirectly has a bearing on your research topic is called the theoretical
framework.
Theory of causality: The theory of causality advocates that in studying cause and effect
there are three sets of variables that are responsible for the change. These are: cause or independent
variable, extraneous variables and change variables. It is the combination of all three
that produces change in a phenomenon.
Thurstone scale: The Thurstone scale is one of the scales designed to measure attitudes in
the social sciences. Attitude through this scale is measured by means of a set of statements, the
‘attitudinal value’ of which has been determined by a group of judges. A respondent’s agreement
with the statement assigns a score equivalent to the ‘attitudinal value’ of the statement.
The total score of all statements is the attitudinal score for a respondent.
Transferability: The concept of transferability refers to the degree to which the results of
qualitative research can be generalised or transferred to other contexts or settings.
Trend curve: A set of data measured on an interval or a ratio scale can be displayed using a line
diagram or trend curve. A trend line can be drawn for data pertaining to both a specific time
and a period. If it relates to a period, the midpoint of each interval at a height commensurate
with each frequency is marked as a dot. These dots are then connected with straight lines to
examine trends in a phenomenon. If the data pertains to an exact time, a point is plotted at a
height commensurate with the frequency and a line is then drawn to examine the trend.