The research glossary defines terms used in conducting social science and policy research, for example those describing methods, measurements, statistical procedures, and other aspects of research; the child care glossary defines terms used to describe aspects of child care and early education practice and policy.
Game Theory
Game theory is the study of how and why people make decisions using mathematical models of conflict and cooperation. It analyzes the strategies that two or more individuals use in dealing with situations where the outcome of an individual's choice of action depends on the actions of other individuals. The prisoner's dilemma is an example of how game theory can be used to show why two completely rational individuals might not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interests to do so.
Generalizability
The extent to which conclusions from analysis of data from a sample can be applied to the population as a whole.
Generalized Linear Mixed Model
A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) is an extension to the generalized linear models (GLMs) in which the predictor contains random effects in addition to fixed effects.
Generalized Linear Models
The generalized linear models (GLMs) are a broad class of statistical models that include linear regression, analysis of variance, logistic regression, log-linear models, etc. These models can be used when analyzing the effects of independent variables with different distributions. They do not require that the dependent variable be normally distributed.
Gini Coefficient
A measure of inequality or dispersion in a group of values (e.g.; racial inequality in a population). The larger the coefficient the greater the dispersion.
GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
A computer system that enables one to assemble, store, manipulate, and display geographically referenced information.
Grounded Theory
The development of social science theory from the inductive analysis of data. This approach is generally used in qualitative research. The specific and detailed observations in the data are studied and understood to such an extent that a theory of more general patterns of behavior can be generated.
Grounded Theory
Grounded theory (GT) is an inductive research methodology used in the social sciences. It involves the construction of theory from the data collected in research and analyses of those data. Thus, it is quite different from the traditional deductive approach, where the researcher collects and analyzes data to test an existing theory and a set of research hypotheses derived from that theory. Grounded theory is used widely in qualitative research.