Quantitative Analysis in Public Affairs
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Quantitative Analysis in Public Affairs

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary purpose of quantitative analysis in public affairs?

  • Subjective interpretation of data
  • Simple description without explanation
  • Systematic summarization of large amounts of information (correct)
  • Limited understanding of complex relationships

    • Which characteristic best describes exploratory research compared to quantitative analysis?

  • Less structured approach (correct)
  • Focus on specific hypotheses
  • Greater reliance on controlled experiments
  • More structured design

    • What limitation of quantitative methods suggests that results can evolve over time?

  • The infallibility of quantitative techniques
  • Changing conventions and emerging techniques (correct)
  • The static nature of data analysis
  • The objectivity of quantitative analysis

    • What is a notable strength of relying on historical data in public affairs analysis?

    <p>Offers authenticity to the findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which research category does confirmatory research belong?

    <p>It tests specific hypotheses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of the quantitative approach in public affairs?

    <p>Systematic stages of inquiry resembling the scientific method</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be considered a potential bias when relying on historical data?

    <p>Assumptions about future patterns based on past data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach can provide insights not constrained by past variations?

    <p>Conducting experiments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two major components of generalisations in research?

    <p>Concepts and relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of systems is the weakest according to their capacity to support research?

    <p>Ad Hoc Classificatory Systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of Working Theories compared to Ad Hoc Classificatory Systems?

    <p>They provide a more structured approach</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of system provides a robust explanation of phenomena and allows for hypothesis derivation?

    <p>Theoretical Frameworks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which variable is typically the focus of explanation in policy analysis?

    <p>Outputs and Outcomes of Political Activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Theoretical Systems from Theoretical Frameworks?

    <p>Theoretical Systems offer complete explanations of empirical phenomena</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following variables is most likely to be considered independent?

    <p>Political Activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for researchers when formulating hypotheses in research?

    <p>Understanding the distinction between concepts and relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are stable values primarily associated with in political behaviour?

    <p>General organizing principles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do socio-economic factors function in relation to political behaviour?

    <p>As intervening variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of generalisation asserts a relationship holds true for all entities within a group?

    <p>Universal Generalisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dimension emphasizes analyzing political phenomena at various levels such as micro, meso, and macro?

    <p>Level of Analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes hypothetical generalisations?

    <p>Proposals about expected relationships yet to be tested</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does public opinion interact with political behaviour?

    <p>It is influenced by stable values and socio-economic factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes empirical generalisations in the context of political behaviour?

    <p>They are based on observed evidence and data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do normative preconceptions influence in political research?

    <p>The framing of research problems and interpretation of findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not one of the seven major threats to internal validity?

    <p>Data analysis errors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of formulating hypotheses in research design?

    <p>To establish the direction of the study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which threat to internal validity involves changes in measurement tools during the study?

    <p>Instrumentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of research design helps define the questions that the research aims to answer?

    <p>Research questions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'experimental mortality' in research design?

    <p>The loss of subjects affecting results across groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'interactions with selection' in the context of research validity?

    <p>Selecting subjects in a way that influences treatment effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In research design, what aspect is crucial for understanding the relationships being studied?

    <p>Variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about weaker research designs is accurate?

    <p>Weaker designs are often more practical and widely used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of true experimental designs?

    <p>They depend on randomization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following threats to internal validity is associated with participants changing over time?

    <p>Maturation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does external validity primarily address?

    <p>The replicability of the study's results in different settings or populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In research design, which of these questions should a researcher NOT consider?

    <p>The historical context of the research topic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of quasi-experimental designs compared to true experimental designs?

    <p>They often lack random assignment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hybrid design combines elements of panel studies and comparative cross-sections?

    <p>Longitudinal studies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge faced by true experimental designs regarding external validity?

    <p>The artificiality of laboratory settings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do statistical methods play in research design?

    <p>They help address representativeness and validity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Quantitative Analysis in Public Affairs

    • Definition and Framework: Quantitative analysis employs systematic stages of inquiry, similar to the scientific method. It involves defining problems, selecting research designs, and analyzing data.
    • Purposes: Explanation, prediction, understanding, and description are primary purposes of quantitative analysis.
    • Key Features: Quantitative analysis allows for systematic summarization of large datasets, identification of complex relationships, and informed decisions about accuracy and precision.
    • Types: Quantitative research encompasses confirmatory and exploratory approaches.
      • Confirmatory Research: Tests specific hypotheses.
      • Exploratory Research: Identifies patterns without pre-defined questions.

    Limitations and Evolution of Quantitative Methods

    • Malleability: Quantitative methods are subject to change over time as new techniques emerge, raising questions about their objectivity.
    • Intersubjective Conventions: Quantitative methods are better understood as intersubjective conventions rather than unchanging truths.

    Historical Context and Non-Experimental Designs

    • Reliance on Historical Data: Most public affairs analysis relies on historical data, presenting both strengths (authenticity) and weaknesses (potential biases).
    • Non-experimental Designs: Analyzing data that has already occurred, rather than manipulating variables in controlled experiments.

    Alternatives to Historical Analysis

    • Experiments: Conducting experiments can provide insights that are not constrained by past variations.
    • Normative Debates: Engaging in discussions about desirable outcomes can broaden the exploration of public affairs issues.

    Generalisations in Public Affairs

    • Components:
      • Concepts as Variables: Concepts can be considered variables in analysis.
      • Relationships: Relationships describe connections or patterns between variables.
    • Types of Systems:
      • Ad Hoc Classificatory Systems: Weakest type, consisting of arbitrary categorizations without detailed definitions or relationships.
      • Working Theories: More structured approach, but still lack comprehensive nature.
      • Theoretical Frameworks: Combine concepts and relationships for robust explanations.
      • Theoretical Systems: Strongest type, offering complete explanations for specific empirical phenomena.
    • Variable Types:
      • Outputs and Outcomes of Political and Governmental Activity: Dependent variables, reflecting resources and policy changes.
      • Political Behaviour and Choice: Often dependent variables, influenced by other factors.
      • Stable Values: General organizing principles influencing attitudes.
      • Socio-Economic Factors: Intervening variables between general influences and outcomes.
      • Public Opinion: Influenced by socio-economic factors and stable values.
      • Normative Preconceptions: Disciplinary habits influencing problem framing and interpretation.
      • Conceptual Frameworks: Overarching structures for understanding relationships between variables.
    • Types of Generalisations:
      • Empirical Generalisations: Based on observed patterns and summarise data.
      • Hypothetical Generalisations: Proposed relationships yet to be tested.
      • Universal Generalisations: Relationships hold true for all entities within a group.
      • Statistical Generalisations: Relationships expected to hold true for a portion of entities.

    Dimensions for Classifying Public Affairs Theories

    • Level of Analysis: Micro (individual), meso (organizational/institutional), and macro (societal).
    • Scope of Application: General (broad applicability) or specific (limited application).
    • Theoretical Assumptions: Assumptions about relationships within the model.

    Research Design Considerations

    • Validity: Central theme, with focus on:
      • Internal Validity: Accuracy of study conclusions.
      • External Validity: Generalizability of findings.
    • Threats to Internal Validity:
      • History: Unintended events affecting outcomes.
      • Maturation: Changes in subjects over time.
      • Experimental Mortality: Loss of subjects during the study.
      • Attrition: Subjects dropping out of the study.
      • Instrumentation: Changes in measurement tools.
      • Testing Effects: Influence of prior testing on subsequent measurements.
      • Regression Artefacts: Statistical regression to the mean.
      • Interactions with Selection: Biases introduced by subject selection.

    Major Components of Research Design

    • Research Questions: Clearly defining the questions that the research aims to answer.
    • Hypotheses: Formulating testable hypotheses that can be evaluated through the research design.
    • Variables: Identifying and operationalizing the independent and dependent variables involved in the research.
    • Methodology: Selecting appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.

    Key Points on Research Designs

    • Experimental Designs: Strong internal validity due to randomization, control groups, and manipulation of variables.
    • Non-Experimental Designs: Weaker internal validity, including quasi-experiments and correlational studies.
    • Strengths and Weaknesses: Experimental designs offer high internal validity but may compromise external validity. Non-experimental designs are more practical and widely used.
    • Hybrid Designs: Combine elements of panel studies and comparative cross-sections.
    • Statistical Considerations: Statistical methods are important for addressing representativeness and validity.

    Drawing Diagrams

    • Be able to draw diagrams representing variable relationships, independence, and dependence.

    Research Design Symbolism

    • Review symbolism for different research designs and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

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    PSCI2701 PDF - Public Affairs Analysis

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential concepts of quantitative analysis in public affairs, including its definition, framework, purposes, and key features. It explores various types of quantitative research and discusses the evolution and limitations of quantitative methods. Understand how systematic inquiry shapes decision-making in the public sector.

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