Research Design in Political Science

Research Design in Political Science

• Methods are matched to research questions
• Brainstorming sessions identify key issues
• Examples include: South China Sea aggression, Japanese security alliance's perception by North Americans.
• Social science evaluates human condition.
• Trends and data are interpreted to understand political phenomena.
• Quantification of data guides policy making.
• Causality in social science involves understanding the foundations of issues.
• Explanations range on a spectrum from weak to definite.
• Design and process are more crucial than results
• An epistemologist approach is essential.

Normative vs. Empirical

• Scientific approaches, methods, and processes for evidence-based predictions, interpretation, and research.
• Social science research relies on shared assumptions; focuses on power, authority, conflict, etc.
• Social science evidence includes personal accounts, surveys, and peer-reviewed academic articles.
• Native knowledge and researcher bias should be acknowledged and taken into account when conducting research.
• Sound research utilizes reliable, evidence-based methods, adhering to regulatory guidelines.
• Differences in gender roles influence societal factors, impacting representation in legislatures (women).
• Normative analysis focuses on what should be done, utilizing logic and reason relevant in political theory.
• Empirical analysis focuses on descriptive or explanatory aspects, using observed data and evidence.

The Scientific Approach

• Set of rules and principles to guide research.
• Method and rules differ from subject matter, positivism defines a separate, independent world outside observation.
• Understandings of epistemology and methodology inform knowledge acquisition.
• Many methods contribute to the broad scope of scientific methodology.

Empiricism and Induction/Deduction

• Knowledge gained from observation is the cornerstone of empiricism
• Causal arguments in social science rely on determinism (every event has a cause).
• Social scientists attempt to minimize biases in their work.
• Social science research utilizes methods like induction (evidence to argumentation) and deduction (argument to evidence).
• Frantz Fanon's decolonization theory provides insights into the limitations of empirical measurement in social contexts.

Interpretivism

• Social science methodologies can diverge from positivism.
• Researchers should understand how individuals make sense of their social realities.
• This methodology seeks similar insights, establishing distinctions between both excellent and poor research.

Indigenous Research Practices

• Indigenous practices for knowledge gathering differ.
• Community engagement and cultural frameworks are crucial.
• Values, cultures, and relevant frameworks shape the research process.
• Ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity are essential for conducting Indigenous research.

Research using documents and texts

• Documents, and texts are analyzed to discover meaning
• Methods used rely on careful, systematic approaches, rather than on superficial interpretations.
• Studying texts in context, to understand broader social issues
• Analyze text, to understand underlying messages.

Content Analysis

• Textual evidence is examined to unpack broader narratives.
• Data encompasses location, population, types of texts, and collection methods.
• Textual analysis frequently involves coding to convert concepts into themes or variables.
• Manifest content refers to literal message elements.
• Latent content refers to implied meaning and judgments.
• Causal analysis in textual data requires careful consideration of criteria and potential factors.

Research designs in political science

• Case study research investigates a particular phenomenon intensely.
• Comparative research contrasts different cases to identify patterns and differences.
• Quantitative research often uses statistical analysis to draw inferences.

Researching human subjects

• Focus groups, interviews, and observations are suitable data-gathering methods for qualitative research.
• Ethical considerations are crucial when studying human subjects (such as privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, etc)

Quantitative Methods and Data

• Large-N statistical analysis enables broader generalizations
• Surveys and secondary data provide insights into large-scale societal trends.
• Surveys ask questions, gather answers and generate data on a broader population.
• Question phrasing, survey design and response formats determine reliability.

Correlational and Inferential Statistics

• Inferential statistics involve drawing inferences about a population based on a sample.
• Statistical significance assesses the likelihood that effects are due to chance.
• Measures like Pearson's r and Chi-square test different levels of analysis.
• These methods establish relationships and quantify the strength of correlations.
• Understanding statistical measures ensures valid interpretation.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

• Qualitative researchers might not be able to generalize their findings far.
• Qualitative research often does not have standardized methodology

Ethical Considerations in Research

• Researchers must prioritize participant well-being.
• Ethical concerns are not limited to research on humans.
• Conducting research that is fair and benefits all parties is important.

Midterm and Post Midterm

• Review materials, case studies, and methodology.
• Study various aspects and understand the concepts.
• Preparation and active engagement are crucial.

Explore the principles of research design in political science, focusing on the alignment of methods to research questions and the importance of data quantification in policy-making. This quiz also covers the distinction between normative and empirical approaches, highlighting frameworks for evidence-based interpretations.