Research Methods Glossary

noun a particular tendency, trend, inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned

verb to cause to have or show bias

• The study aimed to analyze the data without any bias towards a particular outcome.
• I think there's a bias in the way they grade our assignments.
• She's always showing favoritism, it's such a bias!
• His bias towards traditional values colors his perception of modern society.

noun a question or request for information

verb to ask for information or investigate

• Customers often enquire about our return policy before making a purchase.
• Feel free to enquire with the receptionist if you have any questions.
• If you're curious about something, just shoot me an enquire.
• She enquired into the depths of his soul with her piercing gaze.

verb to arrange or organize according to a certain method or plan

• The research data was meticulously methodized for accurate analysis.
• She methodized her closet by color-coding her clothes.
• I methodized my study schedule to make sure I don't fall behind.
• His thoughts were methodized like a well-organized library.

noun a type of literature that is not formally published in sources such as books or journals, often consisting of reports, theses, conference proceedings, and other materials

• Grey literature refers to research that is not published through traditional commercial or academic channels.
• I found some interesting grey literature on the internet that wasn't in any academic journals.
• I'm always on the lookout for cool grey lit to read online.
• In the vast sea of information, grey literature is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

adjective describing a quality that can be easily looked up or searched for

• The database has a lookupable index for quick retrieval of information.
• You can easily find that information online, it's lookupable.
• That website is so lookupable, you can find anything in seconds.
• His memory is like a lookupable database, he can recall facts instantly.