comparative research, like correlational research, seeks to identify associations

among variables.
comparative research attempts to determine the cause or consequences of
differences that already exist between or among groups of individuals.
comparative approach is to begin with a noted difference between two groups and
then to look for possible causes for, or consequences of, this difference.
A field of applied statistics, survey methodology studies the sampling of individual units from a
population and the associated survey data collection techniques, such as questionnaire
construction and methods for improving the number and accuracy of responses to surveys.
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information
about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official
count of a particular population.
The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing
censuses; other common censuses include agriculture, business, and traffic
censuses. The United Nations defines the essential features of population and
housing censuses as "individual enumeration, universality within a defined territory,
simultaneity and defined periodicity", and recommends that population censuses be
taken at least every 10 years. United Nations recommendations also cover census
topics to be collected, official definitions, classifications and other useful information
to coordinate international practice.[2][3]
validity is the extent to which a concept, conclusion or measurement is wellfounded and corresponds accurately to the real world.
A instrument is valid only to the extent that it's scores permits appropriate inferences to be made
about
1) a specific group of people for
2) specific purposes.
reliability is the overall consistency of a measure. A measure is said to have a high
reliability if it produces similar results under consistent conditions. For example,
measurements of peoples height and weight are often extremely reliable
Reliability estimates evaluate the stability of measures, internal consistency of measurement instruments,
and interrater reliability of instrument scores. Validity is the extent to which the interpretations of the
results of a test are warranted, which depends on the particular use the test is intended to serve.

regression analysis is a statistical process for estimating the relationships among

variables. It includes many techniques for modeling and analysing several variables,
when the focus is on the relationship between a dependent variable and one or
more independent variables.

A persuasive definition is a form of definition which purports to describe the 'true'

or 'commonly accepted' meaning of a term, while in reality stipulating an
uncommon or altered use, usually to support an argument for some view, or to
create or alter rights, duties or crimes.