Political Science and Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of empirical research in the study of politics?

Making normative claims about how politics should function

Establishing theoretical frameworks without reliance on data

Utilizing specialized language to obscure findings

Relying on observational evidence to support arguments (correct)

How does intersubjectivity contribute to the field of political research?

By emphasizing the subjective interpretation of political events

By demonstrating that results can vary significantly across contexts

By ensuring that findings are reproducible and not confined to one context (correct)

By allowing findings to be unique to individual researchers

What is a key characteristic of normative analysis in political theory?

It emphasizes empirical measurement and observation

It relies heavily on statistical data and scientific methods

It is prescriptive and outlines how society should be (correct)

It disregards the influence of philosophical arguments

What is the significance of using agreed-upon principles in scientific research?

It assists in assessing the quality of research conducted Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the scientific approach to politics, which of the following is TRUE?

Critical thought is necessary for accurately interpreting the political landscape Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an independent variable from a dependent variable?

The independent variable is presumed to explain changes in the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion for causality requires that the cause must occur before the effect?

Temporal Order Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis primarily used for in scientific inquiry?

To provide a prediction that bridges theory with observation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the role of hypotheses in research?

Hypotheses can guide investigations and suggest new research directions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the absence of confounding variables imply in a causal relationship?

The independent variable solely causes the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypothesis establishes specific empirical expectations for testing?

Working Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of a valid causal relationship?

Subjective interpretation of the variables Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to test hypotheses against reality?

To validate or disconfirm proposed causal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What does a confidence level of 95% indicate in relation to confidence intervals?

There is a 5% chance the population parameter lies outside the interval. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is characterized by giving every member of the population equal probability of inclusion?

Simple random sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of simple random sampling?

It may lead to extreme samples. Signup and view all the answers

In systematic random sampling, what does the symbol 'k' represent?

The sampling interval Signup and view all the answers

What can increase the risk of obtaining extreme samples in systematic random sampling?

Having a cyclical order in the population list Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for stratification variables in proportionate stratified random sampling?

They must be relevant and operationalizable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about systematic random sampling is FALSE?

It always results in the exact representation of the population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential challenge when using proportionate stratified random sampling?

Difficulty in defining the necessary stratification variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct formula for calculating the mean in a sample?

Sum of individual scores divided by the number of cases Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered when determining appropriate sample size?

Length of the study period Signup and view all the answers

What does a 95 percent confidence level indicate?

There is a 95 percent likelihood the actual population parameter falls within the confidence interval Signup and view all the answers

Sampling error is defined as the difference between which two values?

Sample statistic and population parameter Signup and view all the answers

What type of sampling involves breaking the population into subgroups and randomly sampling each group?

Stratified random sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sampling is characterized by researchers selecting cases based on their judgment?

Purposive sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using random selection in probability sampling?

It allows for generalizations to the population Signup and view all the answers

In non-probability sampling, which method relies on individuals accidentally encountered by the researcher?

Accidental sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is useful for studying populations that are hard to reach?

Snowball sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of effect size?

The strength of the relationship between variables Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ratio-level measurement from interval-level measurement?

Presence of a non-arbitrary zero point Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes validity in measurement?

It assesses whether we are measuring what we intend to measure. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of error is characterized by consistent deviation from the true value due to a flaw in the measurement process?

Systematic error Signup and view all the answers

What is measurement error composed of?

Random error and non-random error Signup and view all the answers

Which type of error does not pose a threat to reliability because it affects measurements consistently?

Systematic error Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when trying to reduce measurement errors?

Enhancing measurement validity and reliability Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of random errors in measurement?

They introduce fluctuations that do not reflect true differences. Signup and view all the answers

How can measurement validity be improved if there is a mismatch?

By refining the measure to better align with the concept being assessed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science and the Study of Politics

Uses critical thinking to analyze the political world
Combines theoretical scholarship with empirical evidence to understand complex political issues.
Employs a scientific method to study politics.
Focuses on understanding the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Normative and Empirical Analysis

Normative analysis focuses on how political life should be.
Empirical research relies on evidence from the real world to understand why political life is the way it is.
Findings should be reproducible across researchers, methods, and contexts

The Scientific Approach

Uses a set of principles and rules to guide research.
Focuses on identifying causal relationships between variables.
Recognizes that the cause (independent variable) must precede the effect (dependent variable).

Criteria for Causality

Correlation between the two variables.
Temporal order: The cause must happen before the effect.
Absence of confounding variables.
A plausible causal mechanism that connects the variables.
Consistency in the relationship across different situations.

Hypotheses

Predictions about relationships between variables.
Bridge between political theory and empirical observation.
Guide research and provide a framework for interpreting evidence.

Measurement

Assigns numerical values to observations using a defined scale.
Focuses on both validity (accurate measurement) and reliability (consistent measurement).
Measurement errors can be systematic or random.

Measurement Errors

Systematic errors occur when the tool picks up something other than what it's supposed to measure.
Random errors are chance fluctuations in measurement that don't reflect real differences.

Reducing Measurement Error

Focus on reliability and validity.
Use appropriate tools and methods.

Sampling

Draws conclusions about a larger population (population parameter) based on a smaller group (sample).
Uses several probability sampling techniques to ensure representativeness and minimize bias.
Non-probability sampling methods can be used when random selection is not possible.

Population Parameters

Characteristics of the entire group of interest.
Estimated using sample statistics.

Confidence Interval

Range of values within which the population parameter is likely to fall.
Indicates a certain level of confidence (typically 95%) that the true value lies within that range.

Sample Size

Determined by the homogeneity of the population, the number of variables, and the desired accuracy.
Larger samples reduce sampling error and produce more robust results.
The “law of diminishing returns” suggests that increasing sample size beyond a certain point yields minimal additional benefits.

Probability Sampling Methods

Simple random sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Systematic random sampling: Selection of every kth person after a random starting point.
Stratified random sampling: Dividing the population into subgroups and randomly sampling from each group.

Non-Probability Sampling Methods

Accidental sampling (convenience sampling): Sampling the most accessible or convenient individuals.
Purposive sampling (judgment sampling): Selecting cases that offer the most relevant or useful information.
Snowball sampling (network sampling): Using existing participants to identify additional subjects.
Quota sampling: Stratifying the sample to match the population's proportions.

Inferential Statistics

Uses sample data to make generalizations about the entire population.
Allows us to draw conclusions about the relationship between variables.
Requires understanding of probability theory to accurately interpret findings.

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Description

Explore the intersection of science and politics through critical analysis and empirical research in this quiz. Understand the principles guiding normative and empirical analysis, and the criteria for establishing causality in political studies. Test your knowledge on how these methodologies shape our understanding of political issues.