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What is a primary purpose of quantitative analysis in public affairs?
What is a primary purpose of quantitative analysis in public affairs?
Which characteristic best describes exploratory research compared to quantitative analysis?
Which characteristic best describes exploratory research compared to quantitative analysis?
What limitation of quantitative methods suggests that results can evolve over time?
What limitation of quantitative methods suggests that results can evolve over time?
What is a notable strength of relying on historical data in public affairs analysis?
What is a notable strength of relying on historical data in public affairs analysis?
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In which research category does confirmatory research belong?
In which research category does confirmatory research belong?
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What is a key feature of the quantitative approach in public affairs?
What is a key feature of the quantitative approach in public affairs?
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What can be considered a potential bias when relying on historical data?
What can be considered a potential bias when relying on historical data?
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Which approach can provide insights not constrained by past variations?
Which approach can provide insights not constrained by past variations?
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What are the two major components of generalisations in research?
What are the two major components of generalisations in research?
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Which of the following types of systems is the weakest according to their capacity to support research?
Which of the following types of systems is the weakest according to their capacity to support research?
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What is the primary characteristic of Working Theories compared to Ad Hoc Classificatory Systems?
What is the primary characteristic of Working Theories compared to Ad Hoc Classificatory Systems?
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Which type of system provides a robust explanation of phenomena and allows for hypothesis derivation?
Which type of system provides a robust explanation of phenomena and allows for hypothesis derivation?
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Which variable is typically the focus of explanation in policy analysis?
Which variable is typically the focus of explanation in policy analysis?
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What distinguishes Theoretical Systems from Theoretical Frameworks?
What distinguishes Theoretical Systems from Theoretical Frameworks?
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Which of the following variables is most likely to be considered independent?
Which of the following variables is most likely to be considered independent?
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What is essential for researchers when formulating hypotheses in research?
What is essential for researchers when formulating hypotheses in research?
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What are stable values primarily associated with in political behaviour?
What are stable values primarily associated with in political behaviour?
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How do socio-economic factors function in relation to political behaviour?
How do socio-economic factors function in relation to political behaviour?
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Which type of generalisation asserts a relationship holds true for all entities within a group?
Which type of generalisation asserts a relationship holds true for all entities within a group?
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What dimension emphasizes analyzing political phenomena at various levels such as micro, meso, and macro?
What dimension emphasizes analyzing political phenomena at various levels such as micro, meso, and macro?
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Which of the following best describes hypothetical generalisations?
Which of the following best describes hypothetical generalisations?
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How does public opinion interact with political behaviour?
How does public opinion interact with political behaviour?
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What characterizes empirical generalisations in the context of political behaviour?
What characterizes empirical generalisations in the context of political behaviour?
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What do normative preconceptions influence in political research?
What do normative preconceptions influence in political research?
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Which of the following is not one of the seven major threats to internal validity?
Which of the following is not one of the seven major threats to internal validity?
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What is the primary role of formulating hypotheses in research design?
What is the primary role of formulating hypotheses in research design?
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Which threat to internal validity involves changes in measurement tools during the study?
Which threat to internal validity involves changes in measurement tools during the study?
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What component of research design helps define the questions that the research aims to answer?
What component of research design helps define the questions that the research aims to answer?
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Which of the following best describes 'experimental mortality' in research design?
Which of the following best describes 'experimental mortality' in research design?
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What is meant by 'interactions with selection' in the context of research validity?
What is meant by 'interactions with selection' in the context of research validity?
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In research design, what aspect is crucial for understanding the relationships being studied?
In research design, what aspect is crucial for understanding the relationships being studied?
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Which of the following statements about weaker research designs is accurate?
Which of the following statements about weaker research designs is accurate?
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What is a key characteristic of true experimental designs?
What is a key characteristic of true experimental designs?
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Which of the following threats to internal validity is associated with participants changing over time?
Which of the following threats to internal validity is associated with participants changing over time?
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What aspect does external validity primarily address?
What aspect does external validity primarily address?
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In research design, which of these questions should a researcher NOT consider?
In research design, which of these questions should a researcher NOT consider?
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What is a potential drawback of quasi-experimental designs compared to true experimental designs?
What is a potential drawback of quasi-experimental designs compared to true experimental designs?
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Which hybrid design combines elements of panel studies and comparative cross-sections?
Which hybrid design combines elements of panel studies and comparative cross-sections?
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What is a significant challenge faced by true experimental designs regarding external validity?
What is a significant challenge faced by true experimental designs regarding external validity?
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What role do statistical methods play in research design?
What role do statistical methods play in research design?
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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.
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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
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Components:
- Concepts as Variables: Concepts can be considered variables in analysis.
- Relationships: Relationships describe connections or patterns between variables.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Validity: Central theme, with focus on:
- Internal Validity: Accuracy of study conclusions.
- External Validity: Generalizability of findings.
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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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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.
