Jargon Buster 

Keeping people’s names and personal details out of research findings, so no one knows who said what.

Attachment is the emotional bond a child builds with the important adults who care for them. These relationships help children feel safe, loved, and supported.

When results are unfairly influenced by something (for example, if only one type of family is asked, the findings might not apply to everyone).

A detailed look at one person, family, or small group to understand their experiences in depth.

When two things seem linked (like more screen time and less sleep), but it doesn’t always mean one causes the other.

Co-regulation is when a calm, supportive adult helps a child manage their emotions.

Before children can regulate their emotions on their own, they often need help from a trusted adult.

The main message or “takeaway” from the research - what the study shows overall.

When someone agrees to take part in research, knowing what it involves. Parents often give consent for their children.

A group in an experiment that doesn’t get the new thing being tested, so researchers can compare results fairly.

Making sure any personal information given to researchers is kept private and not shared with others.

The information researchers collect — this could be numbers, stories, answers to questions, or observations.

Dysregulation is when someone becomes overwhelmed and struggles to manage their emotions, behaviour, or reactions.

The rules researchers follow to make sure people are treated fairly, safely, and with respect.

The set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember things, manage emotions, and get tasks done.

It’s like the brain’s “management system.”

What the researchers discovered after looking at all the information they collected.

The money that pays for research - often from charities, universities, or government.

A small group of people brought together to talk about a topic, so researchers can learn from their discussion.

When findings from a smaller group (sample) are used to say something about a larger group.

A researcher’s “best guess” or idea they want to test. It’s like saying, “I think this might happen, let’s check.”

A one-to-one conversation where a researcher asks questions to understand someone’s thoughts or experiences.

Interoception is our ability to notice and understand what is happening inside our body.

It helps us recognise signals like: hunger, thirst,  tiredness,  needing the toilet,  feeling anxious etc

A summary of what other studies have already said about a topic, before starting new research.

The things that might affect how much we can trust or apply the findings (like a small sample size).

Research that follows the same people over a long time to see how things change.

Masking is when someone hides or changes their natural behaviours to fit in with other people or avoid standing out.

It is often discussed in relation to autistic and neurodivergent people.

NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. It describes a young person who is not currently studying, working or taking part in training.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach recognises that every child is different. Instead of asking, "How can I make my child fit in?" it asks, "What does my child need to thrive?" It focuses on understanding, acceptance, and support rather than trying to change who someone is.

When researchers watch what people do (for example, in a classroom or playground) to learn from real-life behaviour.

When other experts check a study before it’s published, to make sure it’s trustworthy and high quality.

Provision means the support, services, resources, or help that are put in place to meet a child or young person's needs.

Research that looks at numbers and facts. It tells us how many, how often, or what percentage. Think of it like counting things or measuring patterns.

Research that looks at people’s experiences, feelings, and stories. It helps us understand the why and how, not just the numbers.

A set of written questions people fill in to share their views or experiences.

Ideas from researchers about what should happen next, based on what they found.

If research is reliable, it means the results would come out the same if repeated - like a scale that gives you the same weight each time.

SALT stands for Speech and Language Therapy (or Speech and Language Therapist). Despite the name, SALT isn't just about talking. Speech and language therapists also support children and adults with understanding language, communication, social interaction, and, for some people, eating, drinking and swallowing.

A smaller group of people chosen to take part in research, which represents a bigger group (like a taste-test before making a big meal).

A list of questions given to lots of people to quickly gather opinions or information.

An explanation or “big idea” that helps make sense of patterns researchers see in the world.

Something that can change in a study like age, sleep, or screen time. Researchers look at how variables affect each other.

If research is valid, it means it really measures what it says it’s measuring (like a maths test actually testing maths skills, not reading skills).