140 Questions
What is the primary focus of quantitative research?
To collect and analyze numerical data
What type of data is typically collected in quantitative research?
Numeric data from surveys and experiments
What is the primary advantage of Large-N analysis?
It enables the establishment of generalized relationships
What is the key limitation of conducting Large-N analysis?
It requires a large, costly, and time-consuming dataset
What is the key difference between Medium-N and Large-N analysis?
The size of the dataset
What is the primary goal of quantitative research?
To identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance
What type of research is focused on establishing generalized relationships?
Variable-oriented research
What is a key characteristic of Medium-N analysis?
It involves a few to up to 50 units
What is a key advantage of having a large dataset?
It enables more accurate statistical analysis
What is a key challenge of collecting numerical data?
It is often costly and time-consuming
What is the main purpose of a theory-infirming case study?
To challenge conventional assumptions and prompt a re-evaluation of existing theories
What is the primary goal of a deviant case study?
To challenge the notion that conservative parties are universally resistant to environmental initiatives
What is the main difference between a theory-infirming case study and a deviant case study?
One is used to support existing theories, while the other is used to challenge them
What is the primary characteristic of numeric data in quantitative research?
It is often obtained through surveys, experiments, or statistical sources
What is the primary advantage of using a case study approach?
It provides a detailed and in-depth analysis of a particular phenomenon
What is the main difference between quantitative research and a case study approach?
One is used to identify patterns and relationships between numeric data, while the other is used to provide a detailed and in-depth analysis
What is the primary purpose of a case study in social science research?
To explore a particular phenomenon in-depth and gain a detailed understanding of it
What is the primary advantage of using a quantitative research approach?
It allows for the collection of numeric data and the identification of patterns and relationships
What is the main difference between a case study and a quantitative research approach?
One is used to provide a detailed and in-depth analysis, while the other is used to identify patterns and relationships between numeric data
What is the primary goal of a case study in social science research?
To explore a particular phenomenon in-depth and gain a detailed understanding of it, and to identify generalizable patterns and relationships
What is the primary objective of quantitative research in terms of correlation and causation?
To achieve precision and statistical reliability
What is the typical source of numeric data in quantitative research?
Surveys, experiments, or statistical sources
What is the primary focus of Medium-N analysis in quantitative research?
From a few to up to 50 units
What is the key challenge of conducting Large-N analysis in quantitative research?
Collecting and handling large datasets, which can be costly, time-consuming, and difficult to handle
What is the primary benefit of using a quantitative research approach?
To establish generalized relationships between variables
What is the primary difference between Medium-N and Large-N analysis?
The number of units analyzed (up to 50 for Medium-N and more than 50 for Large-N)
What is the primary advantage of having a large dataset in quantitative research?
Enables statistical analysis and identification of patterns and relationships
What is the primary characteristic of numeric data in quantitative research?
Involves numeric data, often obtained through surveys, experiments, or statistical sources
What is the primary goal of quantitative research in social sciences?
To identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance
What is the primary benefit of using statistical analysis in quantitative research?
Enables the identification of patterns and relationships between variables
For these three constitutions are in a way near to one another and are widely different from the others—the ______, the Spartan and, thirdly, that of Carthage”
Cretan
Methods in political science… ______ and normative, but also comparative
Speculative
One factor of ______ is to govern and be governed in turn;
liberty
According to ______, comparison is the “foundation and origin of all mathematics and every demonstration and certainty”.
John Locke
Comparison as a testing procedure is “comparing one idea with another with regard to ______, degree, time and place of the circumstances”.
extension
In democracies the ______ are more powerful than the rich, because there are more of them and whatever is decided by the majority is sovereign.
poor
The democratic method is that institutional arrangement for arriving at political ______ in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the people’s vote.
decisions
Sartori’s rule for identifying a ______ - Of any empirical concept (i.e.testable proposition) always, and separately, check.
concept
Several ______, especially in politics, are not directly observable or empirical; e.g.populism, democracy, racism.
concepts
We need ______ to find what they are and from definitions we abstract the concept that we then measure.
definitions
Operationalization is the process of determining how an empirical ______ can be measured or only empirically detected.
concept
But not all ______ lend themselves to an operational definition.
concepts
Our point of departure in political science is the ______, which of course derives from the observation of reality (virtuous cycle).
theory
In understanding the world, we also need to understand how and why particular instances of ______ function as they do.
causation
Discovering instances of ______ is an important step in understanding the world—but it is only part of what we need.
causation
Aristotle and the types of governments: from observation to ______.
theory
Mill’s methods can only reveal evidence of probable ______; they provide no real explanatory power.
causes
Research in political science starts with the ______, which derives from the observation of reality (virtuous cycle).
theory
This case study would provide evidence supporting existing _______ theory regarding the positive impact of democratic institutions on human rights.
democratic
There are a lot of evidence that _______ countries perform better when it comes to human rights respect.
democratic
Quantitative research involves systematic collection and analysis of _______ data to identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance.
numerical
Involves _______ data, often obtained through surveys, experiments, or statistical sources.
numeric
Quantitative research – a brief overview Quantitative research involves systematic collection and analysis of _______ data to identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance.
numerical
Deviant Case Study Example: Investigating a _______ party that successfully implements environmentally friendly policies despite traditionally being associated with conservative ideologies.
political
A ______ case study example is a detailed examination of a specific election campaign without explicitly applying any existing political theory.
atheoretical
An ______ case study aims to understand the meanings and interpretations individuals attach to their actions within the broader socio-political environment.
interpretative
A ______ generating case study involves identifying patterns or correlations that suggest potential hypotheses for further research.
hypothesis
A ______ case study examines instances where the application of a democratic governance model correlates with increased protection of human rights.
theory-confirming
The Friday for Future movement in Italy is an example of a ______ case study, where the researcher aims to understand the conception of climate change among young people.
interpretative
A researcher wants to know whether conceptions of climate change differ between young and adult people, this is an example of a ______ generating case study.
hypothesis-generating
Match the type of case study with its description:
Atheoretical Case Study = Examine instances where the application of a democratic governance model correlates with increased protection of human rights. Hypothesis-Generating Case Study = A detailed examination of a specific election campaign without explicitly applying any existing political theory. Interpretative Case Study = Analyze the historical context and cultural nuances surrounding a particular protest movement. Theory-Confirming Case Study = Identify patterns or correlations that suggest potential hypotheses for further research.
Match the type of case study with the example provided:
Atheoretical Case Study = A study on the European elections’ electoral campaign in Italy Interpretative Case Study = A study on the Friday for Future movement in Italy Hypothesis-Generating Case Study = A study on the conception of climate change between young and adult people Theory-Confirming Case Study = A study on the correlation between democratic governance and human rights
Match the type of research with its focus:
Quantitative Research = Establishing generalized relationships Case Study Approach = Understanding the meanings and interpretations of individuals within a broader socio-political environment Medium-N Analysis = Comparing and explaining differences between multiple cases Large-N Analysis = Identifying patterns and correlations in large datasets
Match the concept with its description:
Deviant Case Study = Investigating a party that successfully implements environmentally friendly policies despite traditional ideologies Theory-Infirming Case Study = Examining instances where the application of a democratic governance model correlates with increased protection of human rights Interpretative Case Study = Analyzing the historical context and cultural nuances surrounding a particular protest movement Atheoretical Case Study = A detailed examination of a specific election campaign without explicitly applying any existing political theory
Match the concept with its goal:
Quantitative Research = Identifying patterns and relationships in large datasets Case Study Approach = Understanding the meanings and interpretations of individuals within a broader socio-political environment Deviant Case Study = Investigating anomalies to refine existing theories Theory-Confirming Case Study = Examining instances where the application of a democratic governance model correlates with increased protection of human rights
Match the concept with its characteristic:
Medium-N Analysis = Involves comparing and explaining differences between multiple cases Large-N Analysis = Involves analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and relationships Quantitative Research = Involves systematic collection and analysis of numeric data Case Study Approach = Involves in-depth exploration of a single case or a small number of cases
Match the concept with its purpose:
Hypothesis-Generating Case Study = Identify patterns or correlations that suggest potential hypotheses for further research Theory-Confirming Case Study = Examine instances where the application of a democratic governance model correlates with increased protection of human rights Interpretative Case Study = Analyze the historical context and cultural nuances surrounding a particular protest movement Deviant Case Study = Investigate anomalies to refine existing theories
Match the concept with its advantage:
Large-N Analysis = Allows for the identification of patterns and relationships in large datasets Medium-N Analysis = Provides a more nuanced understanding of differences between multiple cases Case Study Approach = Provides in-depth understanding of a single case or a small number of cases Quantitative Research = Allows for the establishment of generalized relationships
Match the concept with its limitation:
Large-N Analysis = Limited in its ability to provide nuanced understanding of individual cases Medium-N Analysis = Limited in its ability to generalize to larger populations Case Study Approach = Limited in its ability to generalize to larger populations Quantitative Research = Limited in its ability to provide in-depth understanding of individual cases
Match the concept with its goal:
Quantitative Research = Establishing generalized relationships Case Study Approach = Understanding the meanings and interpretations of individuals within a broader socio-political environment Medium-N Analysis = Comparing and explaining differences between multiple cases Large-N Analysis = Identifying patterns and correlations in large datasets
Match the research approach with its focus:
Quantitative research = Systematic collection and analysis of data to identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance. Case study = In-depth examination of a specific phenomenon or case. Medium-N analysis = Analysis of a moderate sample size to identify patterns and relationships. Large-N analysis = Analysis of a large sample size to identify correlations and statistical significance.
Match the concept with its characteristic:
Populism = Thin-centered ideology that considers society to be ultimately separated into two homogenous and antagonistic groups. Concepts = Socially constructed and can change from culture to culture. Democracy = Form of government where power is held by the people. Operationalization = Process of determining how an empirical concept can be measured or only empirically detected.
Match the type of case study with its description:
Theory-infirming case study = Provides evidence supporting existing theory regarding a phenomenon. Deviant case study = Examines a case that deviates from the norm to refine existing theory. Theory-generating case study = Involves identifying patterns or correlations that suggest potential hypotheses for further research. Exploratory case study = Involves an in-depth examination of a specific phenomenon to gain a deeper understanding.
Match the type of research with its goal:
Quantitative research = To identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance in data. Qualitative research = To gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon through non-numerical data. Case study research = To examine a specific phenomenon or case in-depth. Survey research = To collect data through self-reporting or questioning respondents.
Match the concept with its advantage:
Large-N analysis = Allows for the identification of correlations and statistical significance in large datasets. Medium-N analysis = Provides a balance between dataset size and analytical complexity. Quantitative research = Enables the analysis of large datasets and identification of patterns and relationships. Case study research = Enables an in-depth examination of a specific phenomenon or case.
Match the following methods with their limitations:
Mill's methods = they provide no real explanatory power Case study = it is limited to a single case Quantitative research = it is difficult to collect numerical data Comparative research = it is challenging to find comparable cases
Match the following research approaches with their goals:
Quantitative research = to establish generalized relationships Case study = to understand the meanings and interpretations of individuals Comparative research = to identify patterns and relationships Deviant case study = to test existing theories
Match the following methods with their characteristics:
Quantitative research = involves systematic collection and analysis of numerical data Case study = involves in-depth analysis of a single case Comparative research = involves comparing multiple cases Large-N analysis = involves analyzing a large dataset
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Theory = derives from the observation of reality Hypothesis = a tentative explanation for a phenomenon Concept = an abstract idea or notion Method = a systematic approach to research
Match the following research approaches with their advantages:
Quantitative research = provides statistical significance Case study = provides in-depth understanding of a single case Comparative research = provides insights into multiple cases Large-N analysis = provides a large dataset for analysis
Match the scholars with their contributions to political science methods:
Auguste Comte = Introduced comparison as a method of testing inferences empirically Tocqueville = Conducted the first case-study analysis in Democracy in America Durkheim = Developed the method of concomitant variations in Suicide Weber = Employed a comparativist approach in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
Match the political scientists with their approaches:
Positivists = Seeking to find the truth through empirical testing Comparativists = Focusing on examining and comparing different cases Quantitative researchers = Collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns Case study researchers = Examining specific instances in-depth
Match the concepts with their characteristics:
Mill's methods = Revealing evidence of probable causality Case studies = Examining specific instances in-depth Quantitative research = Involving systematic collection and analysis of numerical data Comparative approach = Focusing on examining and comparing different cases
Match the political science research with their primary goals:
Theory-infirming case study = Supporting existing theoretical frameworks Deviant case study = Examining outliers or exceptional cases Quantitative research = Identifying patterns and relationships in numerical data Comparative research = Examining and comparing different cases
Match the concepts with their purposes:
Operationalization = Determining how to measure or detect empirical concepts Case study = Examining specific instances in-depth Comparative research = Examining and comparing different cases Quantitative research = Identifying patterns and relationships in numerical data
Match the following methods with their descriptions:
Method of Agreement = Comparing multiple instances of an event to identify common causes Method of Difference = Comparing multiple instances of an event to identify uncommon factors Joint Method = Combining methods of agreement and difference to identify a single commonality Method of Residues = Subtracting known causes of a complex set of events to identify the remaining cause
Match the following methods with their examples:
Method of Agreement = Identifying the common food eaten by all family members who got sick at a buffet dinner Method of Difference = Identifying the uncommon food eaten by family members who did not get sick at a buffet dinner Method of Residues = Eliminating all known causes of illness at a buffet dinner to identify the remaining cause Joint Method = Combining methods of agreement and difference to identify the cause of illness at a buffet dinner
Match the following methods with their goals:
Method of Agreement = To identify the common causes of an event Method of Difference = To eliminate unlikely causes of an event Joint Method = To identify a single commonality among instances of an event Method of Residues = To identify the remaining cause of a complex set of events
Match the following methods with their characteristics:
Method of Agreement = Comparing positive instances of an event Method of Difference = Comparing positive and negative instances of an event Joint Method = Combining comparison of positive and negative instances of an event Method of Residues = Subtracting known causes from a complex set of events
Match the following methods with their applications:
Method of Agreement = Comparative politics to identify causes of political events Method of Difference = Comparative politics to eliminate unlikely causes of political events Joint Method = Comparative politics to identify a single commonality among political events Method of Residues = Comparative politics to identify the remaining cause of a complex political event
Auguste Comte is known for understanding comparison as ______ as a “moment of checking an inference empirically”.
testing
Tocqueville's work is considered the first case-study analysis in ______ science.
social
Durkheim's method is known as the method of ______ variations.
concomitant
Weber's work is known for being ______ even though it is not explicitly comparative.
comparativist
Causal explanations are often attributed to ______.
Mill
Political scientists usually find their research topic by identifying their ______ in the issue.
interest
Theory can be “tested” ______ in social science research.
empirically
Social sciences are considered ______ disciplines, separate from history.
autonomous
The primary goal of quantitative research is to identify ______ and relationships in the data.
patterns
Science is guided by ______.
theory
What is the primary purpose of Sartori's rule in social science research?
To check for ambiguity and vagueness in a concept
What is the main difference between a concept and its definition in social science research?
A concept is a testable proposition, while its definition is a declaration of meaning
What is the primary goal of operationalization in social science research?
To determine how an empirical concept can be measured or detected
What is the main challenge of studying empirical concepts that are not directly observable or empirical in social science research?
They are difficult to measure or detect
What is the primary advantage of using clear and specific definitions in social science research?
It prevents ambiguity and vagueness in concepts
What is the primary characteristic of a concept in the context of social sciences?
It is socially constructed and changes from culture to culture.
What is the purpose of operationalization in research?
To determine how an empirical concept can be measured or detected.
What is the key feature of populism ideology?
All of the above.
What is the primary function of a concept in social sciences?
To translate real-world phenomena into abstract ideas.
What is the main difference between a concept and a real-world phenomenon?
A concept is abstract and translates real-world phenomena into ideas, while a real-world phenomenon is tangible and observable.
What is the focus of Durkheim's method?
Concomitant variations
What is the primary goal of social sciences?
To understand human behavior
What is the role of theory in social science research?
To guide empirical research
What is the focus of Tocqueville's work in 'Democracy in America'?
Comparative analysis
What is the role of comparison in social science research?
To check an inference empirically
What is the primary purpose of a minimal definition in social science?
To set boundaries of a concept and identify its common features
What is the role of operationalization in research methodology?
To translate a definition into a testable concept
What is the primary goal of identifying the object of research in social science?
To determine what to compare and what dimensions to focus on
What is the significance of Sartori's terminology in concept definition?
It introduces the concept of denotative definition
What is the primary benefit of using definitions in social science research?
To find what they are and abstract the concept to measure
What is the significance of Sartori's rule in social science research, and how does it contribute to the development of empirical concepts?
Sartori's rule ensures that concepts are clear, unambiguous, and consistently defined throughout an argument, enabling researchers to identify and measure empirical concepts.
What is the primary purpose of operationalization in research, and how does it relate to the development of empirical concepts?
Operationalization is the process of determining how to measure or detect an empirical concept, enabling researchers to label, detect, measure, or identify a particular concept.
How does the democratic method of decision-making, as described by Schumpeter, relate to the concept of populism?
The democratic method involves a competitive struggle for the people's vote, which can lead to the rise of populist ideologies that appeal to the masses.
What is the role of definitions in social science research, and how do they contribute to the development of empirical concepts?
Definitions are crucial in social science research as they enable researchers to identify and measure concepts, facilitating the development of empirical concepts.
How does the concept of democracy, as described by Schumpeter, relate to the concept of populism, and what are the implications for social science research?
Democracy involves a competitive struggle for the people's vote, which can lead to the rise of populist ideologies that threaten democratic institutions, highlighting the need for researchers to critically examine the nuances of democracy and populism.
What does Auguste Comte understand comparison as in the context of political science methodology?
testing, as a 'moment of checking an inference empirically'
How do political scientists usually find their research 'what' or concept?
interest in the issue, relevance of the theme, knowledge of the literature
What is the primary goal of operationalization in social science research?
to determine how an empirical concept can be measured or only empirically detected
What is the characteristic of Durkheim's Suicide method?
concomitant variations, starting from aggregate data to find recurrent patterns
What is the primary function of a concept in social sciences?
to abstract and measure the concept
What is the primary purpose of a minimal definition in social science research, and how does it relate to the concept of interest?
To set boundaries of a concept and identify the common features that make different manifestations of the same phenomenon comparable, and to abstract the concept from definitions.
What is the role of methodology in social science research, and how does it relate to the concept of interest?
Methodology is the process of translating the concept of interest into testable operationalization, which involves identifying the object of research, deciding what to compare, and developing a plan to measure the concept.
How do researchers abstract the concept from definitions, and what is the significance of this process in social science research?
Researchers abstract the concept from definitions by identifying the common features that make different manifestations of the same phenomenon comparable, and this process is significant because it enables researchers to develop a clear understanding of the concept and its boundaries.
What is the primary function of concepts in social sciences, and how do they relate to real-world phenomena?
Concepts are the only way to translate phenomena in the real world into abstract ideas, and they are socially constructed, meaning their interpretation changes from culture to culture.
What is the relationship between concept definition and operationalization, and how do researchers translate the concept into testable operationalization?
Concept definition provides the boundaries and common features of a concept, and operationalization translates the concept into testable and measurable variables, and researchers translate the concept into testable operationalization by developing a plan to measure the concept.
What is the key characteristic of populism ideology, and how does it perceive society?
Populism is a thin-centered ideology that considers society to be ultimately separated into two homogenous and antagonistic groups, the pure people and the corrupt elite, and argues that politics should be an expression of the volonté generale.
What is the significance of comparing different manifestations of the same phenomenon in social science research, and how does it relate to the concept of interest?
Comparing different manifestations of the same phenomenon enables researchers to identify the common features and boundaries of a concept, and this process is significant because it enables researchers to develop a clear understanding of the concept and its relationships with other concepts.
What is the role of operationalization in social science research, and how does it relate to concepts and definitions?
Operationalization is the process of translating abstract concepts into measurable variables, allowing researchers to study and understand complex phenomena, and it involves defining concepts and abstracting them from real-world observations.
How do researchers approach the study of complex phenomena, such as democracy, and what is the primary goal of social science research?
Researchers use concepts to translate real-world phenomena into abstract ideas, and the primary goal of social science research is to understand and explain complex phenomena, such as democracy.
What is the primary difference between quantitative research and a case study approach, and how do they relate to the goal of social science research?
Quantitative research involves systematic collection and analysis of data to identify patterns, relationships, and statistical significance, whereas a case study approach involves in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases to understand meanings and interpretations, and both approaches aim to understand and explain complex phenomena.
Understand the process of translating real-world phenomena into abstract concepts, including empirical testability and formulation. Learn how to define and work with concepts in research methods.
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