Key terms & definitions

The process of selecting part of a population to collect data from.

The process of selecting participants from a target population for research.

A systematic tendency in a sampling method to favour particular parts of a population, making the sample unrepresentative.

A tendency for a selection method to favour or exclude particular parts of the population, potentially distorting conclusions.

A tendency for the way participants are selected to favour some members of the target population over others.

A systematic tendency for the selection process to over-represent or under-represent particular members of the target population.

A list or other record of the members of a population from which a sample can be selected.

A list of all the members of the population from which a sample can be selected.

A list of members of the population from which a sample is selected.

The number of sound samples taken per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

The rule used to select locations or material for study from a larger area or population.

The differences in statistical results between samples from the same population caused by which members happen to be selected.

The natural difference between results obtained from different samples taken from the same population.

The cycle of birth, death and rebirth from which Buddhists seek liberation.

A Hindu rite marking and giving religious significance to an important stage of life.

The origin or arising of suffering; the Second Noble Truth concerns what causes suffering.

Eternal law or duties understood to apply universally, rather than depending on a person’s social class or stage of life.

The process of being made holy: growing closer to God and increasingly living according to God’s love.

The grace through which a person shares in God's divine life; Catholics believe it is first received through Baptism.

A reward or punishment used to encourage conformity to rules or norms.

A penalty or other consequence imposed for breaking a rule or law.

Restrictions imposed on a country, such as limits on trade and arms supplies, to pressure its government to change its behaviour.

The belief that life is sacred because it comes from God and should therefore be respected and protected.

The belief that marriage is sacred and should be treated with special respect, particularly because it involves a commitment made before God.

The belief that marriage promises are sacred, particularly because they are made before God, and should be honoured.

Protection from arrest offered to someone taking refuge in a church or other recognised religious place.

A sacred area containing religious structures such as temples and altars.

The area of a church containing the altar, often raised above the nave.

The ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ acclamation, sung or said during the Eucharistic Prayer to praise God’s holiness.

A small wall across a seasonal river channel that traps sand, allowing water to be stored in the spaces between sand grains.