Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a fundamental principle of experimental design?
What is a fundamental principle of experimental design?
- Use of control and experimental groups (correct)
- Comprehensive literature review
- Comparative analysis of external factors
- Historical data analysis
Which step is often simplified in practice in the classic experimental design?
Which step is often simplified in practice in the classic experimental design?
- Post-intervention measure
- Random allocation of subjects
- Pre-intervention measure (correct)
- Selecting subjects for the study
What does the control group provide in an experimental study?
What does the control group provide in an experimental study?
- A method for assigning subjects randomly
- A source of historical data
- A benchmark for pre-test measurements
- A reference point for outcome comparisons (correct)
What is the significance of random allocation in experimental research?
What is the significance of random allocation in experimental research?
What are the three broad types of research approaches mentioned?
What are the three broad types of research approaches mentioned?
Why might valid inferences still be drawn without a pre-test in experimental research?
Why might valid inferences still be drawn without a pre-test in experimental research?
What best describes the relationship between experimental designs and the true scientific method?
What best describes the relationship between experimental designs and the true scientific method?
What is one key issue to consider regarding case selection in experimental research?
What is one key issue to consider regarding case selection in experimental research?
What is a primary strength of laboratory experiments as mentioned in the discussion?
What is a primary strength of laboratory experiments as mentioned in the discussion?
Which type of experiment relies on naturally occurring events instead of researcher interventions?
Which type of experiment relies on naturally occurring events instead of researcher interventions?
In the Manchester study by John and Brannan, what was the main purpose of contacting the treatment groups?
In the Manchester study by John and Brannan, what was the main purpose of contacting the treatment groups?
What is 'micro replication' as defined by Rokkan?
What is 'micro replication' as defined by Rokkan?
According to Morton and Williams, what complicates the interpretation of natural experiments?
According to Morton and Williams, what complicates the interpretation of natural experiments?
What do some scholars prefer about laboratory experiments compared to field experiments?
What do some scholars prefer about laboratory experiments compared to field experiments?
What potential issue is raised regarding generalizations from laboratory experiments?
What potential issue is raised regarding generalizations from laboratory experiments?
Which method did John and Brannan use to select their subjects in the Manchester study?
Which method did John and Brannan use to select their subjects in the Manchester study?
What is one significant function of comparison in research?
What is one significant function of comparison in research?
What factor is highlighted as important in the context of experimenting with electoral systems?
What factor is highlighted as important in the context of experimenting with electoral systems?
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Study Notes
Research Approach
- Three primary types of research: Experimental, Comparative, and Historical.
- Experimental Design: Emphasizes rigorous control, resembling the scientific method.
- Control Groups: No intervention.
- Experimental Groups: Interventions occur.
- Random Assignment: Participants are randomly assigned to groups, minimizing bias.
Experimental Design Steps
- Two groups: Experimental and Control.
- Pretest: Measure outcome variable before intervention.
- Intervention: The treatment or test is administered.
- Posttest: Measure outcome variable after intervention.
- Simplified Design: Pre-test can be omitted if groups are large enough.
Case Selection
- Participant Selection: How subjects are chosen for the study.
- Participant Allocation: How subjects are assigned to control or experimental groups.
Types of Experimental Research
- Laboratory Experiments: Conducted in a controlled environment, allowing maximum control over variables.
- Field Experiments: Occur in real-world settings, providing more accurate data.
- Natural Experiments: Utilize naturally occurring events as interventions, often discovered by researchers.
Strengths and Limitations
- Laboratory Experiments: Offer high control, but generalization to real-world settings may be limited.
- Field Experiments: Provide real-world data, but less control over variables.
- Natural Experiments: Minimize ethical concerns and offer real-world insights, but less control over variables.
Comparative Research
- Purpose: Explore similarities and differences across various contexts.
- Application: Testing theories developed in one context, in another.
- Type: Theory-confirming or theory-infirming.
Historical Research
- Applications:
- Provides snapshots of the past.
- Establishes the context for current phenomena.
- Explores causal relationships between past events and subsequent phenomena.
Example: Genocide in Africa
- Interrogation Strategy: Use historical research methods, including:
- Primary Sources: Official records, interviews with survivors, testimonies.
- Secondary Sources: Scholarly publications, news reports, government reports.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare the situation in the African country to historical genocides.
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