PSCI lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of quantitative research methods in the social sciences?

To create value judgments based on assumptions.

To minimize personal opinions and biases. (correct)

To incorporate personal opinions into the findings.

To make the research process as subjective as possible.

Which of the following best defines a value judgment?

A collection of generalizations observed in data.

A hypothesis derived from statistical analysis.

A statement based purely on empirical data.

An assessment of what is right or wrong. (correct)

What is the relationship between opinions and empirical testing in research?

Opinions are irrelevant in quantitative research.

Data should only support established opinions.

Opinions should be prioritized over data in research.

Opinions can be tested against data for validation. (correct)

Which statement about the role of statistics in social science is correct?

Statistics help to test relationships between phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hypothesis' refer to in the context of social science research?

A prediction about relationships between variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between natural sciences and social sciences?

Social sciences deal with facts and values. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of data in social sciences compared to natural sciences?

Data in natural sciences involves less noise compared to social sciences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of questions related to values in social sciences?

They are normative and can have varying opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is cited for when sand turns into glass?

Between 1700 °C and 2000 °C. Signup and view all the answers

How does noise affect the predictability of natural sciences compared to social sciences?

Noise in social sciences makes data less predictable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main requirement for a variable to be considered exhaustive?

It should encompass all possible categories or values. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates a non-homogenous category?

Tomato Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true for discrete variables?

They will always be whole numbers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the least precise level of measurement?

Nominal Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a continuous variable?

Time measured in seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements describes the interval-ratio level of measurement?

It allows for mathematical operations such as addition and division. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indicator of non-exhaustive categories?

Leaving observations unclassified Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ratio level variables from interval variables?

Interval variables do not have a naturally occurring zero. Signup and view all the answers

In public opinion surveys, which of the following categories represents the least favorable response?

Very Bad Signup and view all the answers

What defines homogeneity in measurement categories?

Consistent measurement of the same attributes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples correctly illustrates an interval variable?

Temperature in Fahrenheit Signup and view all the answers

What would be a correct approach to make a variable exhaustive?

Add an 'other' category for unlisted options. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the categories in public opinion surveys is correct?

They provide a score that can be ranked but do not distinguish distances. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for response categories to be mutually exclusive?

Each observation must belong to only one category. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between methods and methodology in research?

Methods involve data collection, while methodology involves the justification of using these methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common argument about social science that is considered incorrect?

Social science must remain entirely value-free. Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship can be inferred from the hypothesis related to household internet access and voter turnout?

Higher internet access correlates with higher voter turnout. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does NOT apply to response categories of variables?

Response categories should be ambiguous. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for social science to include both empirical and normative elements?

It provides a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about the relationship between the informed electorate and political participation?

Informed electorates tend to participate more politically. Signup and view all the answers

How do quantitative methods contribute to social science research?

They offer a reliable picture of reality through data analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural sciences study natural phenomena, like physics, biology, and chemistry.
Natural sciences are more predictable with less "noise".
Social sciences study society and behavior.
Social sciences deal with facts and values.
The social world is unpredictable and subject to more "noise".
Social scientists have less control than natural scientists.

Facts vs. Values

Facts are empirical and objective.
Values are normative and subjective.
Facts are "what is" while values are "what ought to be".

Value Judgements

Value judgements are choices between things we believe are right or wrong.
Quantitative research methods aim to minimize personal opinions and biases.
The goal of quantitative research methods is to make the research process as objective as possible.

Theory is a statement about the relationship between phenomena.
Hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between variables.
Generalizations are summary patterns observed in data.
Observations are what we see when we study our data.

Empirical Research Example

The more informed an electorate, the more likely they are to participate politically.
The higher the level of household internet access, the higher the level of voter turnout.

The Value of Statistics in Political Science

Good social science is both empirical and normative.
Quantitative methods are not better than qualitative methods, but they do provide a reliable picture of reality.
Methods are the tools we use to conduct research.
Methodology is concerned with the logical structure and procedures of scientific inquiry.

Variables and Levels of Measurement

Variables have three primary characteristics: response categories must be mutually exclusive, response categories must be exhaustive, and response categories should be homogenous.

Mutual Exclusivity

Response categories must not overlap.
Each observation should belong to only one category.

Exhaustiveness

A variable must encompass all possible categories or values.
If observations are left unclassified, the variable is not exhaustive.

Homogeneity

Categories should be consistent, measuring the same characteristics or attributes.
Categories should represent the same underlying concept.

Discrete and Continuous Variables

Discrete variables have subunits that cannot be divided.
Discrete variables are whole numbers.
Continuous variables have subunits that can be subdivided infinitely.
Continuous variables can have decimal points.

Levels of Measurement

Nominal: least precise level of measurement.
Ordinal: categories/cases can be ranked from high to low.
Interval-Ratio: highest and most precise level of measurement.

Interval-Ratio Level of Measurement

Variables measured at this level have equal intervals.
Ratio level variables have a naturally occurring zero while interval variables do not.
All mathematical operations are possible with interval-ratio variables.

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Description

Test your understanding of the differences between natural and social sciences. This quiz covers key concepts such as facts vs. values, the role of statistics in social science research, and the nature of quantitative research methods. Explore how these fields represent knowledge and make judgments.