Bench research
Laboratory-based research that explores biological, chemical, or physical processes, often using cells, tissues, or animal models.
Blinding
A research technique used to prevent participants or researchers from knowing which group a participant is in (e.g., treatment or placebo) to reduce bias.
Clinical research
Studies conducted with human participants to evaluate medical, behavioral, or health-related outcomes (e.g., trials, surveys, observational studies).
Cohort
A group of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined period (e.g., birth year, diagnosis). In research, cohorts are often followed over time to examine outcomes, behaviors, or health conditions.
Conclusion
A final summary of what the study found, its significance, and what it suggests for future research or practice.
Confounding factor
A variable that influences both the independent and dependent variable, potentially distorting the true relationship between them.
Control group
A group in a study that does not receive the experimental treatment. Used as a baseline to compare the effects of the intervention.
Dependent variable
The outcome or response that is measured in a study. It is affected by changes in the independent variable.
Double-Blind
A study in which participants and researchers do not know which group they are in (e.g., receiving treatment or placebo).
Exclusion criteria
Characteristics that disqualify individuals from participating in a study to ensure safety, consistency, or scientific validity.
Experimental group
The group in a study that receives the treatment or intervention being tested.
Experimental research
Research involving the manipulation of one variable to determine its effect on another, typically using control and experimental groups.
Fidelity
The degree to which a program, intervention, or study is delivered as intended by its original design. High fidelity means that the implementation closely follows the established protocol or model, which helps ensure valid and reliable results.
Framework
A structured model or system that provides a way to understand or organize a research topic, theory, or process.
Future research
Suggestions for how additional studies can build on current findings, explore unanswered questions, or address limitations.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables.
Inclusion criteria
The specific characteristics that participants must have to be eligible for a study (e.g., age, diagnosis, location).
Independent variable
The factor in an experiment that is intentionally changed or manipulated to observe its effect on another variable.
Intervention
An action or treatment introduced in a study to assess its effect on participants or outcomes (e.g., therapy, medication, education program).
Limitations
Factors that may affect the study’s results or how they can be interpreted or generalized. These are usually acknowledged in the discussion section of research.
Literature review
A summary and analysis of existing research and publications on a specific topic. Helps identify gaps and inform new research.
Methodology
The overall strategy and rationale behind the research process, including the specific methods used for data collection and analysis.
Objective tests
Standardized assessments with fixed response options (e.g., multiple-choice), used to measure traits, behaviors, or symptoms (e.g., MMPI).
Operational definition
A clear, specific description of how a concept or variable is measured or manipulated in a study.
Participants
The people who take part in a research study. They may also be referred to as subjects or respondents.
Peer review
A process in which experts evaluate a research study or manuscript before publication to ensure quality and accuracy.
Protocol
A detailed plan that outlines the objectives, design, methods, and procedures of a research study. It serves as a guide for conducting the study consistently and ethically, and is often reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Reliability
The consistency of a measure or result. A reliable measure produces similar results under consistent conditions.
Replication
Repeating a study or experiment to confirm findings and test reliability. A key part of scientific credibility.
Reproducibility
The ability of a study to be repeated by others and produce the same results, confirming the reliability of findings.
Research
A systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to answer questions or solve problems.
Research design
The blueprint of a study that outlines how to answer the research question, including the methods, participants, and procedures.
Sample size [ N ]
The number of participants or units included in a study. Represented by “N” in statistical reporting.
Sampling
The process of selecting individuals or units from a larger population to participate in a study.
Scientific method
A systematic process used in research that involves formulating a question, developing a hypothesis, testing it, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
Single-blind
A study in which participants do not know which group they are in (e.g., receiving treatment or placebo), but the researchers do.
Studies
Structured investigations designed to answer specific questions, often following a defined research protocol.
Study design
The overall plan or structure of a research study, detailing how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
Testing [ TE ]
Definition
Theory
A set of ideas or principles that explains a phenomenon and can be tested through research.
Validity
The degree to which a study or measure accurately reflects what it is intended to assess.
Variables
Elements, characteristics, or factors that can change or vary in a study and may affect the outcome.
Auditing
An independent examination of study processes, records, and data to verify that the research is conducted in accordance with protocols and regulations.
Authorship
Recognition given to those who made significant contributions to a research project or publication. Typically follows ethical and professional guidelines.
Bias (Research)
A systematic error or deviation that can affect the results of a study. Bias can occur in study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation.
Confidentiality
The practice of keeping participants’ personal and identifying information private and secure during and after a study.
Conflict of interest
A situation in which a person’s personal or financial interests could compromise or appear to compromise their objectivity in research.
Ethics (Research)
Principles that guide conduct in research and practice, including honesty, respect, fairness, and protecting participants from harm.
Informed consent
A process in which participants are given clear, complete information about a study so they can voluntarily decide whether to participate.
Institutional Review Board [ IRB ]
A committee that reviews research involving human participants to ensure ethical standards are met, including informed consent and risk minimization.
Monitoring
The ongoing process of reviewing study data and procedures to ensure compliance with the protocol, regulations, and quality standards.
Plagiarism
Using someone else’s ideas, words, or work without giving proper credit. A serious ethical violation in research and writing.
Research misconduct
Violation of ethical standards in research, including fabrication (making up data), falsification (altering data), or plagiarism.
Transparency
Open and honest reporting of all aspects of a study, including methods, data, results, and limitations, so others can evaluate and replicate the work.
Anthropology
The study of human cultural groups, behaviors, and societies across time and space.
Cultural humility
The ability of researchers, providers, and institutions to understand, respect, and respond effectively to cultural differences in health and behavior.
Cultural relativism
The principle of understanding a culture on its own terms and suspending judgment based on the standards of one’s own culture. The concept was created so that those in power were not defining what is “normal” or “right” for diverse groups and cultural norms.
Cultural transmission
The process by which knowledge, beliefs, customs, and behaviors are passed from one generation to the next within a culture.
Emic perspectives
The insider’s view of a culture—how people within a cultural group understand and interpret their own behaviors, beliefs, and practices.
Ethnography
A qualitative research method used in anthropology that involves immersive observation and detailed description of a culture or social group for longer periods of time (also known as “longitudinal”).
Ethnohistory
The study of cultural groups through historical records, oral histories, and ethnographic sources, often combining methods from history and anthropology.
Etic perspectives
An outside or analytical view of cultural groups, often used by researchers to compare behaviors and systems across different cultural groups.
Fieldwork
The process of collecting data outside a laboratory or academic setting, typically through direct interaction with people in the various social environments that are important to them.
Grounded theory
A research approach in qualitative studies where theories are developed inductively from data collected, rather than testing pre-existing hypotheses.
Medical anthropology
The study of health, illness, health systems that includes cultural, social, and biological factors (is a subfield of anthropology).
Participant observation
A key method in ethnographic research where the researcher becomes involved in the daily life of the group being studied to gain deeper understanding. This is the method used in ethnography and can be very structured and systematic.
Rapid ethnographic assessment
A form of ethnography that utilizes less time than traditional ethnography in order to provide more rapid results to inform policy or public health decisions.
Reflexivity
The practice of critically examining one’s own role, background, and potential biases when conducting research, especially in qualitative or ethnographic work.
Thick description
A detailed, nuanced account of social behavior that includes context and meaning, helping to interpret not just what people do, but why they do it.
Attachment theory
A psychological model that explains how early relationships with caregivers shape a person’s ability to form bonds and regulate emotions throughout life.
Behavioral activation
A treatment technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy that encourages individuals to engage in activities that improve mood and reduce depression.
Behavioral health
A field focused on how behaviors affect overall health and well-being, including the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
Classical conditioning
Learning through association (e.g., Pavlov’s dogs).
Clinical psychology
A branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy [ CBT ]
A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
Cognitive distortion
Inaccurate or biased ways of thinking that reinforce negative thoughts or emotions, often seen in anxiety and depression.
Conditioning
A learning process in which behaviors are influenced by associations or consequences.
Countertransference
The emotional reactions a therapist has toward a client, often based on the therapist’s own unconscious feelings or experiences.
Defense mechanisms
Unconscious psychological strategies used to protect oneself from anxiety or uncomfortable emotions (e.g., denial, projection).
Diagnostic criteria
A set of specific symptoms or features that must be present for a mental health condition to be formally diagnosed, often based on DSM or ICD guidelines.
Dialectical behavior therapy [ DBT ]
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines acceptance and change strategies. Often used to treat borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation.
Emotion regulation
The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a flexible and adaptive way, especially in stressful situations.
Executive function
A set of mental skills—including planning, working memory, attention, and problem-solving—that help people manage tasks and regulate behavior.
Mental schema
Cognitive frameworks or concepts that help individuals organize and interpret information, shaping how they perceive the world.
Neurodevelopmental disorders
A group of conditions (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD) that begin in early childhood and affect brain development, impacting learning, behavior, or functioning.
Operant conditioning
Learning through rewards and punishments (e.g., Skinner box).
Projective test
A psychological assessment that uses ambiguous stimuli (e.g., inkblots, pictures) to reveal hidden emotions or internal conflicts (e.g., Rorschach test).
Psychology
The scientific study of the mind and behavior, including thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Psychometric assessment
A standardized method for measuring mental abilities, personality traits, or psychological symptoms using validated tools (e.g., IQ tests, depression scales).
Psychopathology
The study of mental disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment. Also refers to the presence of psychological symptoms or maladaptive behavior.
Self-efficacy
A person’s belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks.
Thematic analysis
A method used in qualitative research to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns or themes in data.
Transference
A psychological phenomenon in which a person redirects feelings or expectations from one relationship (often from early life) onto a therapist or another figure in the present.
Trauma-informed care
An approach to service delivery that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this awareness into policies, procedures, and practices.
Adverse event
Any unwanted or harmful outcome experienced by a participant during a clinical study, whether or not it is related to the study intervention.
Buprenorphine
A medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Brand names include Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade, and Zubsolv.
Case Report Form [ CRF ]
A standardized document used to collect data from each participant in a clinical trial, often electronically.
Clinical endpoint
A clearly defined outcome used to determine whether a treatment is effective (e.g., symptom improvement, survival rate).
Comorbidity
The presence of more than one disorder or condition in the same person, either at the same time or over a period of time (e.g., depression and anxiety).
Good Clinical Practice [ GCP ]
An international set of ethical and scientific standards for designing, conducting, and reporting clinical trials involving human participants.
Intention-to-treat analysis
A method of analysis that includes all participants in the groups to which they were originally assigned, regardless of whether they completed the intervention.
Opioid Use Disorder [ OUD ]
A chronic disease characterized by the compulsive use of opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) despite harmful consequences. It affects brain function and behavior.
Pharmacovigilance
The process of monitoring, detecting, and assessing adverse effects of medications to ensure drug safety.
Placebo-controlled
A study that includes a group receiving an inactive treatment (placebo) to compare against the active treatment’s effects.
Polysubstance use
The use of more than one drug or substance, either simultaneously or in close succession. It can be intentional or unintentional and may increase risk for overdose or other harms.
Protocol deviation
Any change or departure from the planned study procedures, which must be documented and reported.
Randomized controlled trial [ RCT ]
A study in which participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention.
Site Initiation Visit [ SIV ]
A meeting conducted before a clinical trial begins at a research site. It ensures that the site staff understand the study protocol, procedures, and responsibilities.
Telemedicine
The delivery of healthcare services remotely using communication technology, such as video calls or phone consultations, often used to expand access to care.
Trial registry
A publicly accessible database (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov) where key details of clinical trials are recorded and shared to promote transparency and accountability.
Analysis
The process of examining data in detail to discover patterns, trends, or relationships and draw conclusions.
Analysis of Variance [ ANOVA ]
A statistical method used to compare means among three or more groups to see if at least one is significantly different.
Causation
Indicates that one event or variable directly leads to a change in another. Unlike correlation, causation requires evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship.
Chi-square test
A statistical test used to determine whether there is a significant association between categorical variables.
Confidence interval
A range of values that is likely to contain the true effect or value being measured. Indicates the precision of an estimate.
Correlation
A statistical relationship between two variables, showing how one tends to change in relation to the other. Does not imply causation.
Data analysis
The process of examining, cleaning, and interpreting data to answer research questions or test hypotheses.
Data collection
The process of gathering information (quantitative or qualitative) for use in analysis to answer research questions.
Data visualization
The use of charts, graphs, or other visual tools to present data clearly and effectively.
Effect size
A measure of the magnitude of a relationship or difference between groups. Helps understand the practical significance of findings.
Electronic Data Capture [ EDC ]
A computerized system used to collect, manage, and store data in clinical trials, replacing traditional paper forms.
Mean
The average value in a set of numbers, calculated by summing all values and dividing by the number of values.
Median
The middle value in a list of numbers arranged in order. Half the values are above, and half are below the median.
Meta-analysis
A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies on the same topic to produce a single, more robust conclusion.
Mixed methods
A research approach that combines both qualitative (descriptive) and quantitative (numerical) data to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Mode
The number or value that appears most frequently in a data set.
Narrative inquiry
A qualitative research method that focuses on individuals’ stories and personal experiences as a way to understand how they make sense of the world.
P-value
A statistical measure that indicates the probability that the observed results occurred by chance. A p-value less than 0.05 is typically considered statistically significant.
Power analysis
A technique used to determine the sample size needed to detect an effect of a certain size with a given level of confidence.
Qualitative
A research method focused on understanding meaning, experiences, or concepts through non-numerical data (e.g., interviews, observations, open-ended questions)
Quantitative
A research method that uses numerical data and statistical techniques to examine relationships, patterns, or outcomes.
Regression analysis
A statistical method used to examine the relationship between one dependent variable and one or more independent variables.
Sampling strategy
The plan for how participants or data sources are selected in a study. It includes methods like random sampling, stratified sampling, or purposive sampling.
Semi-structured interview
A qualitative data collection method that uses a flexible guide with open-ended questions, allowing for both consistency and exploration of participant responses.
Standard deviation
A measure of the amount of variation or spread in a set of values. A low standard deviation indicates that values are close to the mean.
Statistical analysis
A mathematical approach to interpreting numerical data. Helps assess significance, trends, and relationships in a study.
Statistical significance
A determination that results are unlikely to have occurred by chance, typically based on a p-value threshold (e.g., p < 0.05).
Systematic review
A comprehensive summary of all available evidence on a specific research question, using standardized methods to search, appraise, and synthesize findings.
T-test
A statistical test used to compare the means of two groups to determine if the difference is statistically significant.
Community health worker
A frontline public health worker who is trusted in the community they serve. They connect individuals to services and help improve access to care.
Investigator
A researcher who contributes to a study but may not be the lead or principal investigator.
Patient Advisory Committee [ PAC ]
A group of PWLE who provide guidance and input to research teams, ensuring projects reflect local priorities and lived experiences in rural Maryland.
Peer recovery specialist
A person who has recovered from a mental health or substance use disorder and helps others in recovery. They use their personal experience to provide support and guidance.
Person with lived / living experience [ PWLE ]
An individual who has personally experienced social or health-related issues (e.g., addiction, homelessness, mental illness) and contributes expertise based on that experience to research, policy, or service delivery.
Principal Investigator [ PI ]
The lead researcher responsible for the overall design, conduct, and management of a research study.
Research Advisory Committee [ RAC ]
A group based in Baltimore made up of community members, researchers, and stakeholders who provide feedback and guidance to ensure research reflects local priorities and ethical standards.
Researcher
A person who conducts studies to explore, understand, and generate new knowledge on specific topics.
Stakeholder Advisory Committee [ SAC ]
A group of individuals representing various sectors (e.g., healthcare, community, policy) who provide insights, feedback, and guidance to ensure research is relevant and community-informed.
Analyze results
Using appropriate methods to examine data, identify patterns, and assess whether findings support the hypothesis.
Case study
An in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, event, or situation. Often used to explore complex issues in real-world settings.
Cohort study
A type of observational study that follows a group (or cohort) of people over time to examine how certain exposures affect outcomes.
Collect data
The process of gathering information (e.g., survey responses, interviews, lab results) according to the research plan.
Conduct a literature review
Reviewing existing research and publications to understand the current state of knowledge on a topic and identify gaps for further study.
Cross-sectional study
A type of observational study that analyzes data from a population at one specific point in time.
Define a research question
The process of identifying a specific, focused question that guides a study. A good research question is clear, concise, and researchable.
Design the study
Planning the methods, procedures, and structure for how a research project will be conducted, including how participants will be recruited and what data will be collected.
Dissemination
The process of distributing research findings to broader audiences, including stakeholders, communities, policymakers, and the public.
Double-blind study
A study in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment or placebo, helping to reduce bias.
Experimental research
Research involving the manipulation of one variable to determine its effect on another, typically using control and experimental groups.
Formulate a hypothesis
The process of developing a clear, testable prediction about the expected relationship between variables in a study.
Informed consent process
The steps taken to ensure participants understand the study, including risks, benefits, and rights, before they agree to take part.
Interpret findings
Drawing meaning from the results of a study and discussing their implications, relevance, and limitations.
Longitudinal study
A study that follows the same participants over time to examine changes, developments, or long-term outcomes.
Observational study
A type of research in which investigators observe participants without manipulating variables or assigning interventions.
Obtain ethical approval
Receiving permission from an ethics board or institutional review board (IRB) to begin a study, ensuring it protects participants’ rights and well-being.
Pilot study
A small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility, design, or methods of a larger study.
Publish findings
Sharing research results through academic journals, presentations, or reports so others can learn from and build on the work.
Single-blind study
A study in which participants do not know which group they are in (e.g., receiving treatment or placebo), but the researchers do.
Bias
A tendency or thought process—either conscious or unconscious—that skews judgment or decision-making in favor of or against something or someone.
Discrimination
Unfair or unequal treatment of people based on social labels such as race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status.
Facilitation
The process of guiding discussions, meetings, or group activities to ensure effective participation and shared understanding.
Health disparities
Differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage.
Population health
The study of health outcomes in groups of individuals, including how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health disparities.
Positionality
An awareness of how a researcher’s identity, background, and social position influence their perspective and relationship with the research process and participants.
Prejudice
A negative belief, assumption, or attitude toward a group, often held without sufficient knowledge and leading to unfair treatment or discrimination.
Social determinants of health [ SDOH ]
The conditions in which people are born, live, work, learn, and age that influence their health and quality of life—such as income, education, housing, and access to care.
Social exclusion
A process by which individuals or groups are marginalized and denied full participation in society, often resulting in reduced access to resources, opportunities, and rights.
Stigma
A negative label or stereotype that causes a person or group to be seen as socially unacceptable, often leading to shame, discrimination, and exclusion.
Subjectivity
The influence of personal feelings, values, or perspectives on research or interpretation. Often acknowledged and examined in qualitative research.
Advancing Addiction Research and Treatment through Engagement with Rural Maryland Impacted by Polysubstance Use [ ARTEMIS ]
A collaborative research initiative focused on improving care delivery for people affected by polysubstance use in rural Maryland, with strong community and stakeholder engagement.
Center for Substance Use, Addiction, and Health Research [ CESAR ]
A multidisciplinary research center focused on understanding and addressing substance use, addiction, and related health outcomes.
Department of Health [ DoH ]
A government agency responsible for public health programs, policies, and services at the local, state, or national level.
Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative [ HEAL ]
A federal research initiative aimed at improving prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction, and enhancing pain management.
Mobile Treatment Unit [ MTU ]
A vehicle equipped to provide medical and behavioral health services to individuals in rural or underserved areas. Often used to treat substance use disorders.
Patient Engagement Resource Center [ PERC ]
A center that provides tools, resources, and support to help patients, families, and stakeholders engage meaningfully in healthcare research and decision-making.
Research Initiative on Infectious Disease and Substance Use [ RIIS ]
A research program that studies the intersection of infectious diseases (such as HIV or Hepatitis C) and substance use, aiming to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
School of Medicine [ SOM ]
An academic institution within a university that provides medical education and training
Stakeholder Engagement in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research [ PCOR / 10-step framework ]
A model developed to guide meaningful involvement of patients and stakeholders throughout the research process in PCOR studies, consisting of 10 practical steps to promote equitable, respectful partnerships.
University of Maryland, Baltimore (Baltimore team) [ UMB ]
A research-focused public university in Baltimore known for health sciences and medical education.
University of Maryland, College Park (College Park team) [ UMD ]
A flagship public university located in College Park, MD, known for its strengths in public health, behavioral science, and interdisciplinary research.
