Designing Social Inquiry: Research Methods
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Questions and Answers

What determines whether a social scientist studies educational policy or ethnic conflict?

  • There are no rules to dictate the area to be studied. (correct)
  • Established rules of social science that dictate research priorities.
  • The availability of funding for different research areas.
  • The recommendations of senior academics in the field.
  • How does the text describe the influence of personal experiences and values on a social scientist's research?

  • They are irrelevant and should be disregarded.
  • They often provide the motivation to engage in a particular research project. (correct)
  • They should be explicitly mentioned in scholarly writings.
  • They are the primary justification for choosing a topic.
  • What does the text suggest about the connection between a scholar's background and their research focus?

  • There is no connection between a scholar's background and their research focus.
  • The background of a scholar is the main driver of good research.
  • Research on particular groups is often initiated by people from that group. (correct)
  • Scholars are more likely to study topics unrelated to their background for objectivity.
  • What is the primary focus of the scholarly community when evaluating research, according to the text?

    <p>The ability of the researcher to demonstrate evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines if a certain approach to study is better in the social sciences?

    <p>Rules of social science methods and rules of inference help determine if an approach is better. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following does the text suggest about the reasons for choosing a research topic?

    <p>They are often based on personal reasons, however, it's not sufficient for a successful research. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might personal experiences and values relate to one's choice of research question?

    <p>They can be a useful motivation for a scholar's research. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT something that influences research topics, according to the text?

    <p>The amount of money allocated for research. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is associated with great variation in the conditions of ordinary human life between countries?

    <p>Cross-national variation in political institutions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario illustrates a consequence of political mismanagement as mentioned in the content?

    <p>Economic privation globally similar to the 1930s (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is deemed necessary for a hypothesis to contribute to knowledge?

    <p>It must be evaluated empirically (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach should be taken when selecting a research question according to the content?

    <p>Locate the research design within existing literature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region experienced significant issues during the 1980s as a consequence of mismanagement?

    <p>Africa and Latin America (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of much writing about war or social misery, according to the content?

    <p>It fails to add to understanding of issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the content suggest is scarce in investigating significant social questions?

    <p>Empirical research tools (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is mentioned as a way to contribute to existing scholarly literature?

    <p>Researching important hypotheses yet to be systematically studied (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be known about the data generation process to avoid biased inferences?

    <p>The exact method by which the sample was drawn (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is critical when reporting in a qualitative comparative case study?

    <p>The precise rules for case selection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do many graduate students hesitate to share their data?

    <p>Worries about someone stealing their work (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus when testing the rational deterrence theory?

    <p>Assessing the balance of military forces between attacker and defender. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can researchers improve the evaluation of a theory?

    <p>By gathering data from multiple observable implications (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of sharing data with other researchers?

    <p>It enhances visibility and reputation in the field (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might using only cases where threats are issued lead to selection bias?

    <p>It overlooks instances where threats have been ineffective. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alternative approach could enhance research on deterrence if data is insufficient?

    <p>Testing a different theory with similar motivational assumptions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with a proposed research topic that cannot be refined into a specific project?

    <p>It should be modified or abandoned. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a suggested method for validating theories?

    <p>Collecting data on diverse observable implications (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should researchers report to enable others to apply their methods?

    <p>Method used and all necessary information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario outside of warfare is mentioned as an analogy for deterrence strategies?

    <p>The tactics of organized-crime families competing for turf. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between applied research and basic research as described?

    <p>Both forms of research can contribute to real-world problems and scientific literature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategy can help disaggregate data more effectively?

    <p>Recording additional dependent variables (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might laboratory experiments reveal about 'threats' under simulated conditions?

    <p>Military power can deter threats rather than accentuate them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for developing a good research theory?

    <p>Familiarity with existing evidence on the topic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the observable implications of the rational deterrence theory?

    <p>Analysis of decisions to initiate conflict following threats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of research design, what is meant by a 'burning issue'?

    <p>A significant real-world problem to be addressed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about theories in social sciences is incorrect?

    <p>A theory ignores conflicting evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What area of study has utilized concepts similar to those in deterrence theory?

    <p>Non-cooperative game theory in industrial organization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of only collecting data on direct threats?

    <p>It excludes data on broader deterrent strategies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should researchers approach existing literature when formulating a research question?

    <p>They should engage with it to refine their question. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a proposed research topic be modified or abandoned?

    <p>It lacks potential for valid inference. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does effective research design strive to achieve?

    <p>To both solve real-world problems and advance scientific literature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant issue with qualitative research in political science?

    <p>It frequently fails to report uncertainty in inferences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation is a qualitative interviewer more likely to accurately measure political ideology?

    <p>When the interviewer has studied the respondent's background. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should good social scientists always report regarding their inferences?

    <p>Estimates of uncertainty in their inferences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might a survey researcher be less likely to do compared to an in-depth researcher?

    <p>Generalize from particular cases to the broader population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can policymakers better judge the uncertainty of their conclusions according to Neustadt and May?

    <p>By wagering their own money at particular odds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mindset should good social scientists adopt regarding causal inferences?

    <p>They should remain skeptical and consider rival hypotheses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates the sources of error in qualitative versus quantitative research?

    <p>The sources of error may vary between the two methodologies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common problem when forming conclusions based on weak data?

    <p>Reliable inferences become difficult to achieve. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Social Science

    The study of human behavior and society using systematic methods.

    Research Design

    A structured and organized approach to investigate a research question.

    Research Topic

    The specific area or subject that a researcher chooses to investigate.

    Personal Reasons

    Subjective factors, such as personal experiences, values, or interests, that can influence a researcher's choice of research topic.

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    Scientific Methods

    A set of procedures and rules used to gather evidence and analyze data in a systematic and objective manner.

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    Scholarly Community

    The scholarly community, including academics, experts, and peers, that collectively evaluate and assess scientific research.

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    Demonstrate

    The demonstration of a research claim through rigorous analysis and evidence.

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    Contribution

    The value or significance of a research contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

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    Important Research Question

    A research question is considered important when addressing a significant issue and has the potential to advance our understanding of a phenomenon.

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    Contribution to Knowledge

    Research that contributes to knowledge must be grounded in existing research, ensuring it builds upon prior work.

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    Systematic Research

    Research that builds upon existing knowledge should be conducted systematically and with a clear design.

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    Choosing a Research Question

    A research question should be chosen based on its significance in the field and its potential to contribute new knowledge.

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    Systematic Research Design

    A systematic research design helps ensure the investigation is well-structured and minimizes the risk of duplication.

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    Research Question Significance

    A research question should be chosen based on its significance in the field and its potential to contribute new knowledge.

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    Investigating an Important Hypothesis

    Investigating a hypothesis that is widely regarded as important, but lacks a thorough systematic study, is a valuable contribution to the field.

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    Research Contribution

    Research that addresses a research question seen as important by scholars but lacks systematic study can make a valuable contribution.

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    Social Science Theory

    A reasoned and precise speculation about the answer to a research question, including a statement about why the proposed answer is correct. Theories often imply more specific descriptive or causal hypotheses.

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    Hypothesis

    A hypothesis derived from a theory, stating a specific relationship between concepts. It can be tested through data analysis.

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    Inference

    The process of drawing conclusions about a population based on a sample of data. It involves understanding how much our findings apply to the wider group.

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    Causal Inference

    A research design that aims to understand and explain the causes and effects of a specific phenomenon. It seeks to establish causal relationships between variables.

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    Research Project

    A proposed idea or topic that is refined and tested through research. It should be specific and address a real-world problem.

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    Dialogue with the Literature

    The alignment of research questions with relevant existing knowledge about a topic.

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    Refining a Research Topic

    The process of refining a research topic or question to ensure it can be addressed effectively using available tools and methods.

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    Basic Research

    Research aimed at understanding general principles and theories within a field of study.

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    Data Generation Process

    The process of how data is gathered and collected, which is essential for understanding the validity of any analysis or inferences.

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    Validity of Inferences

    Inferences drawn from data are only as valid as the method used to collect it. Knowing the data generation process allows for accurate interpretation.

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    Data Diversification

    Collecting data from a diverse range of situations to test a theory's predictions. This strengthens the theory and increases confidence in the results.

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    Multi-dimensional Data Collection

    Gathering data on multiple aspects that a theory predicts, increasing the evidence supporting the theory.

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    Data Disaggregation

    When testing a theory, breaking down the data into smaller time periods or smaller geographic areas to see if the theory holds across different scales.

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    Adding Observations

    Adding more observations about the same outcome variable to strengthen the theory.

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    Recording Additional Dependent Variables

    Introducing new variables or outcomes related to a theory, increasing the complexity of the analysis and its potential for explanation.

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    Theory Evaluation

    Evaluating theories by seeing how they hold up across various contexts and measurements. Strong theories survive multiple tests.

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    Secondary Dependent Variables

    Collecting information on dependent variables less directly related to the main hypothesis but still relevant to the theory being tested.

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    Testing a Theory

    Assessing whether observed outcomes match the predictions of a theoretical model.

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    Rational Deterrence Theory

    The assumption that individuals or states make decisions based on a rational calculation of costs and benefits.

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    Direct Test of a Theory

    The most direct way to test a theory by observing whether the predicted relationship exists between key variables.

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    Selection Bias

    The possibility of excluding relevant data from a study, potentially biasing the results.

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    Testing Multiple Theories

    Utilizing different theories with similar underlying assumptions to investigate a phenomenon from various perspectives.

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    Laboratory Experiment

    A controlled experiment where participants are placed in a simulated environment to study their behavior under specific conditions.

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    Real-World Applications of Deterrence

    Examining how real-world actors, such as businesses or criminal organizations, use deterrence strategies.

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    Uncertainty in Social Science

    All social science research is subject to uncertainty. This implies that even with the best methods, we can never be absolutely certain about our findings.

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    Reporting Uncertainty

    It's crucial to provide an estimate of how confident we are in our conclusions based on the evidence we have. This helps readers understand the limitations of our research.

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    Uncertainty in Qualitative Research

    In qualitative research, the researcher relies heavily on subjective interpretation of data. This can lead to biases and errors in measurement, potentially affecting the accuracy of the findings.

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    Uncertainty in Quantitative Research

    In quantitative research, the researcher often relies on statistical analysis of data. This can also be prone to errors, especially if the data is not representative or the analysis methods are flawed.

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    Skepticism in Social Science

    A good social scientist approaches research with a critical mind, questioning their own assumptions and looking for alternative explanations for their findings. This helps to avoid confirmation bias and ensure that the research is rigorous and unbiased.

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    Rival Hypotheses

    Rival hypotheses are alternative explanations for the same phenomenon. Identifying and considering these rival explanations helps to strengthen the research by demonstrating that the researcher has thoroughly explored other possibilities.

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    Considering Rival Hypotheses

    Good social scientists always seek to identify and address alternative explanations for their findings. This ensures that their research is robust and credible.

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    Avoiding Hasty Conclusions

    A good social scientist avoids hastily jumping to conclusions and instead systematically evaluates evidence and considers alternative explanations. This ensures that the research is rigorous and sound.

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    Study Notes

    Designing Social Inquiry

    • This book focuses on research design in social sciences, particularly political science, emphasizing valid inferences about social and political life.
    • It bridges the seemingly disparate styles of quantitative and qualitative research, using a unified logic of inference for both.
    • Quantitative research emphasizes numbers and statistical methods, seeking generalizable descriptions and causal explanations through replicable measurements.
    • Qualitative research involves various approaches, frequently utilizing in-depth case studies, intensive interviews, and historical analysis to build comprehensive accounts of particular events or contexts.
    • Good research often combines quantitative and qualitative approaches.
    • Scientific research, in essence, goes beyond merely collecting facts, aiming to make inferences from observed data, to describe or explain phenomena beyond the immediate observations.
    • The procedures used in scientific research are public and codified, allowing for replication and evaluation by others.
    • Uncertainty is inherent in social science research; researchers report estimates of uncertainty alongside conclusions.
    • Social science research is a social enterprise involving collaboration, feedback, repeated tests, and continuous improvement of theories and methods in order to understand and assess complex issues.
    • Research design involves four components: the research question, the theory, the data, and the use of the data.
    • Researchers should begin with clear research questions relevant to real-world issues and existing scholarly literature, ensuring scientific rigor and potential contribution.
    • Theory should be specific, testable, and based on prior knowledge.
    • Data collection should be reliable and systematically conducted, addressing potential sources of bias like selection bias and omitted-variable bias, allowing for replication of the analyses.
    • Researchers must carefully report uncertainties in their findings, recognizing limitations in measurement and inference.

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    Explore the essential concepts from 'Designing Social Inquiry' that highlight the integration of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the social sciences. The quiz will cover valid inference techniques and the significance of robust research designs in political science and beyond. Test your understanding of how to synthesize different research approaches effectively.

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