Glossary

Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.

56 results found in research methodology.

Experiential learning (Learning by doing, Experience-based learning)
Experiential learning is a pedagogical approach in which knowledge and skills are acquired through direct, concrete experience rather than passive instruction. Grounded in theories by Kolb and others,…
FATE Framework (FATE, Fairness Accountability Transparency Ethics)
An ethical framework for evaluating AI and machine learning systems across four dimensions: Fairness (ensuring equitable treatment and outcomes across different groups), Accountability (establishing r…
Fixation Duration (Fixation Time, Gaze Duration)
The length of time the eye remains relatively still on a specific point in a visual display during reading or visual processing. In eye-tracking research, fixation duration is a key metric for measuri…
Gait analysis (Walking pattern analysis, Locomotion analysis)
The systematic study of human walking patterns, including step frequency, stride length, body sway, and turning behaviour, using sensors or observation. In accessibility research, gait analysis reveal…
Growth mixture model (GMM, Latent class growth model)
A statistical method that identifies unobserved subpopulations (latent classes) within a dataset based on distinct patterns of change over time. In accessibility research, growth mixture models can re…
HCI4D (Human-Computer Interaction for Development)
A subfield of human-computer interaction that focuses on designing and evaluating interactive technologies specifically for development contexts, addressing the needs of underserved and marginalized c…
ICTD (Information and Communication Technologies and Development, ICT4D)
A research field and practice area focused on designing, deploying, and evaluating information and communication technologies to improve socio-economic outcomes in low-resource and developing contexts…
Improvisation (Design Improvisation, Research Improvisation)
In the context of accessibility research and design, improvisation refers to the practice of creatively adapting plans and methods in response to unexpected circumstances, defined as "a creative act c…
Laddering Method (Laddering Technique, Laddering Interview)
A qualitative-quantitative research method used in user experience research to understand why users value certain product features. Rooted in Means-End theory, the technique involves asking participan…
Magnitude Estimation (Psychophysical Scaling, Stevens Method)
A psychophysics research method where participants assign numerical values to stimuli based on their perceived intensity or magnitude. In accessibility research, magnitude estimation is used to determ…
Means-End Chain (MEC, Means-End Theory)
A theoretical framework and analytical output from Laddering research that maps how product attributes lead to functional and psychosocial consequences, which in turn connect to personal values. A cha…
Model Human Processor (MHP, Human Processor Model)
A cognitive architecture developed by Card, Moran, and Newell (1983) that models human information processing as three interconnected subsystems: perceptual, cognitive, and motor processors, each with…
Modified Borg Scale (Borg CR10 Scale, MBS, Borg Scale)
A self-report rating scale used to measure the perceived intensity of physical sensations such as breathlessness, exertion, or pain, ranging from 0 (nothing at all) to 10 (maximal). Originally develop…
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
A widely used cognitive screening tool designed to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The MoCA assesses multiple cognitive domains including short-term memory, visuospatial abilities, executive f…
PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, PANAS Scale)
PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) is a validated psychological instrument for measuring emotional states, consisting of two 10-item scales measuring positive affect (PA) and negative affec…
Participatory Action Research (PAR, Action Research)
A collaborative research methodology that involves participants as co-researchers in identifying problems, designing solutions, and implementing changes. In accessibility research, PAR ensures people …
Podcast analysis (Podcast content analysis)
A qualitative research method that uses publicly available podcast episodes as data sources, applying thematic or content analysis to extract insights from naturalistic discussions. In accessibility r…
Power Dynamics (Power Differentials)
The imbalance of influence, authority, or social status between individuals or groups that shapes their interactions and relationships. In accessibility research and practice, power dynamics between r…
Proxy stakeholder (Proxy informant, Proxy respondent)
In requirements engineering and participatory design, a proxy stakeholder is a person—such as a caregiver, support worker, family member, or healthcare professional—who actively mediates, interprets, …
Psychometric validation (Psychometric evaluation, Instrument validation)
The process of establishing that a measurement instrument (such as a questionnaire or scale) possesses adequate reliability (consistency of measurement), criterion validity (correlation with establish…