Social and Political Research Methods
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Questions and Answers

In quantitative research, what is the primary focus of data analysis?

Variables, specifically the characteristics of cases.

What is a key goal of quantitative research in terms of its findings?

To produce generalizations that apply broadly.

In the context of social research, what is the first phase in the typical research loop?

Theory.

What process is used to derive hypotheses from theory?

<p>Deduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does operationalization involve in the data collection phase?

<p>Transforming hypotheses into empirically observable statements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning does a researcher engage in when returning to theory after data analysis?

<p>Induction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a hypothesis compare to a theory in terms of abstraction and generality?

<p>A hypothesis is at a lower level of abstraction and generality than a theory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of qualitative research in contrast to identifying relationships among variables?

<p>To achieve an understanding of subjects in their entirety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical working method for quantitative research as described in the text?

<p>A four-step path: theoretical framework, empirical recording, results of analysis, return to theory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of models are typically produced by quantitative data analysis, and what type of relationships do these models depict?

<p>Causal models, which depict cause-effect relationships between variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to quantitative research, what is the typical goal of qualitative research as exemplified by Sánchez-Jankowski's study?

<p>To understand the motivations underlying behavior and develop classifications and typologies, rather than discerning cause-effect relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are data typically collected and organized in quantitative research?

<p>By building a 'data matrix', where collected data is organized in a standardized format across all cases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research planning, how does the approach to design differ between quantitative and qualitative research?

<p>Quantitative research uses a pre-defined, structured design based on hypotheses, while qualitative research uses an open, interactive plan that evolves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the researcher's typical stance towards subjects in qualitative research?

<p>The researcher usually shows empathy and identification with the subjects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two key aspects of data collection that qualitative research typically does not focus on?

<p>Standardization and representativeness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research approach the selection of cases for study?

<p>It prefers treating selected cases in a differential manner, according to their perceived relevance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumption allows for the substitution of a measure of Yc recorded earlier in the scientific solution?

<p>The assumption of invariance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the scientific solution differ from the statistical solution in social science?

<p>The scientific solution relies on measures of identical units, while the statistical solution involves groups of statistically equivalent individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of experiments mentioned in the context of social sciences?

<p>Laboratory experiments and field experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required in an experiment for it to be considered a true experiment?

<p>Manipulation of the independent variable and random assignment of subjects to groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the manipulation of the independent variable is lacking in a study?

<p>It is no longer considered an experiment but rather a study based on covariation analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe one limit of experimental designs mentioned in the text.

<p>One limit is the artificiality of the experimental setting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two reasons for non-representativeness in experimental studies?

<p>Sample size and selection criteria of the experimental subjects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two areas into which the problem of artificiality can be subdivided?

<p>Artificiality of the setting and reactivity of the experimental subjects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a life story and an oral history?

<p>A life story focuses on the individual's personal experiences, while an oral history focuses on societal events or customs witnessed by the individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of the time period it's written, what distinguishes a diary or letter from an autobiography?

<p>Diaries and letters are written contemporaneously with the events they describe, while autobiographies are written retrospectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of personal documents mentioned in the text, besides the autobiography.

<p>Diaries and letters are personal documents mentioned in the text.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential concern when using oral testimony as data?

<p>Memory lapses or reactivity can be concerns with oral testimony.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes personal documents from institutional documents?

<p>Personal documents typically express the author's personal perspective, while institutional documents express the institution's perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are diaries and letters often used alongside other types of documentary material in research?

<p>Diaries and letters are often incomplete or biased, so using them with other sources provides a more comprehensive picture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the passage, what is the central purpose of using the term 'expressive' to describe personal documents?

<p>'Expressive' documents reveal the feelings, experiences, and personality of the individuals who create them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might researchers today prefer using oral testimony over diaries and letters as sources of narrative data?

<p>Oral testimony can provide more direct and contemporary accounts of events and experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two fundamental elements of a survey?

<p>Question and answer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a standardized questionnaire differ from a structured interview?

<p>A standardized questionnaire has both standardized questions and answers, while a structured interview standardizes only the questions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two dilemmas faced by researchers when conducting surveys?

<p>The objectivist vs. constructivist viewpoint on knowledge and the uniformist vs. individualistic perspective on social reality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'empirical uniformities' refer to in the context of surveys?

<p>It refers to the belief that consistent patterns exist within social phenomena that can be classified.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does a researcher face when drafting a questionnaire?

<p>It requires experience, knowledge of the target population, and clear research hypotheses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises from respondents possibly reporting socially desirable behaviors?

<p>The problem of social desirability can lead to biased data and inaccurate reflections of true attitudes or behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In survey methodology, what role does the relationship between the interviewer and interviewee play?

<p>It can be either impersonal or empathic, affecting how questions are received and answered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal method of data collection in surveys?

<p>The questionnaire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary task of an interviewer in an unstructured interview?

<p>To ensure that predetermined topics are discussed in a manner they find suitable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes interviews with key informants?

<p>They involve individuals with special knowledge of a phenomenon who are not part of that phenomenon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative data analysis differ from quantitative methods?

<p>Qualitative analysis is case-based and studies individuals as complete entities, while quantitative analysis is variable-based.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are focus groups in qualitative research?

<p>They are a collective interview with a small group of individuals involved in a particular situation, used for discussion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using documents in qualitative research?

<p>To gather information on social phenomena that exists independently of the researcher’s actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do probing questions play in qualitative interviews?

<p>They help delve deeper into the subject matter and clarify responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is conducting a good qualitative interview considered a difficult art?

<p>It requires skill in managing social interaction, question formulation, and responsiveness to the interviewee.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by narrative perspective in presenting qualitative research results?

<p>Results are conveyed through storytelling, providing context and depth to the findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Quantitative Research Planning

Quantitative research relies on a predefined, structured design based on hypotheses drawn from theory.

Qualitative Research Planning

Qualitative research has an open, interactive work plan where procedures emerge and change as the research progresses.

Researcher's Attitude in Quantitative Research

In quantitative research, the researcher maintains a neutral and detached attitude towards their subjects.

Researcher's Attitude in Qualitative Research

In qualitative research, the researcher emphasizes empathy and identification with their subjects.

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Data Collection in Quantitative Research

Quantitative research typically involves a representative sample of the target population and aims to build a 'data matrix' where data is presented in a standardized format.

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Data Collection in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research focuses on selected cases and treats them differently based on their perceived relevance. Standardization and representativeness are less important.

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Data Analysis: Quantitative

Quantitative research uses quantitative statistical tools to analyze data and produce 'causal models' demonstrating cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

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Data Analysis: Qualitative

Qualitative research aims to understand the motivations behind behavior and create classifications and typologies. Inductively analyzing data rather than testing hypotheses.

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Theory

A set of connected propositions that are more abstract and general than empirical reality, derived from observed patterns, and used to make predictions about the world.

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Hypothesis

A specific statement that predicts a relationship between two or more concepts, less abstract than theory.

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Quantitative Analysis

In quantitative research, analysis focuses on characteristics of cases (variables) using mathematical and statistical tools.

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Qualitative Analysis

In qualitative research, analysis focuses on subjects in their totality, aiming for a deep understanding rather than identifying relationships between variables.

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Generalization in Quantitative Research

In quantitative research, the goal is to generalize findings, creating abstract principles that apply to other situations and societies.

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Context Specificity in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research often emphasizes the specific context and features of the situations being studied, rather than generalizing findings.

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Operationalization

The process of converting theoretical concepts into measurable variables that can be observed and analyzed.

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Interpretation of Results

The process of interpreting and explaining the results of data analysis, drawing conclusions based on the findings.

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Scientific Solution in Research

A scientific approach to finding causal relationships where two identical units are compared, one with the treatment and one without. It assumes that the value of the dependent variable in the control unit can be directly compared to the treatment unit.

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Statistical Solution in Research

A statistical approach to finding causal relationships by comparing groups of individuals that are statistically similar. It uses random assignment to create equivalent groups.

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Experiment in Social Science

A research method where the independent variable is manipulated, and subjects are randomly assigned to groups to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

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Laboratory Experiment

An experiment conducted in a contrived setting, where the researcher carefully controls the environment and variables.

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Field Experiment

An experiment conducted in a real-life setting, where the researcher observes and manipulates variables in a natural environment.

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Ex Post Facto Experiment

An experiment that lacks manipulation of the independent variable. Researchers analyze existing data to find relationships but cannot establish causality.

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Quasi-Experiment

An experiment where subjects are not randomly assigned to groups, which weakens the ability to establish a causal relationship.

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Artificiality and Reactivity in Experiments

A limitation of experiments where the setting or the participants' awareness of being observed can distort the results.

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Survey

A research method that gathers information by asking standardized questions to a representative sample of individuals.

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Questionnaire

A set of standardized questions used to collect data in a survey.

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Structured Interview

The process of asking questions to individuals in a structured way, where only the questions are standardized and the answers are freely expressed.

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Unstructured Interview

A conversation where neither the questions nor the answers are predetermined.

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Objectivist Position

The belief that social reality is objective and can be studied scientifically using standardized methods.

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Constructivist Position

The belief that knowledge about social reality is shaped by the interaction between the researcher and the subject.

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Social Desirability

The tendency for individuals to report socially desirable answers, even if they don't reflect their true beliefs or actions.

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Reliability

The extent to which a measurement tool consistently produces similar results over time.

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Non-directive Interviews

A type of unstructured interview where the interviewer focuses on understanding the interviewee's perspective and experiences.

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Interviews with Key Informants

Interviews with individuals who are not directly involved in the phenomenon under study but possess specialized knowledge about it.

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Focus Groups

A group discussion with a small number of individuals who share expertise or experience related to the research topic.

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Case-based Data Analysis

The process of analyzing qualitative data by focusing on the individual as a whole, rather than isolating specific variables.

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Documents in Qualitative Research

A document is any material that provides information about a social phenomenon and exists independently of the researcher's actions.

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Personal Documents

Documents created by individuals for personal use, offering insights into their thoughts, experiences and perspectives.

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Mixed Methods Approach

Analyzing data using both qualitative and quantitative methods, often involving a combination of text analysis and statistical techniques.

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Personal Documents: Diaries and Letters

Personal documents, such as diaries or letters, are written during the events they describe, providing real-time insights.

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Autobiographies: Written Life Stories

Autobiographies are written accounts of a person's entire life, produced by that person, offering a retrospective view.

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Oral Testimony: Voices of Experience

Oral testimony records people's experiences as narrated to a researcher, providing valuable firsthand insights.

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Life Stories: Individual's Journey

Life stories focus on the individual's entire biographical journey, their feelings, views, and experiences.

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Oral History: Witnessing Events

Oral history captures a person's account of specific events they witnessed, offering insights into society and its customs.

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Institutional Documents: Official Records

Institutional documents are produced by organizations or individuals within their institutional roles, often for public use.

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Expressive Documents: Voices of Personality

Expressive documents are personal accounts that reflect the feelings, experiences, and personalities of the individuals who create them.

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Types of Personal Documents

Personal documents are often classified into autobiographies, diaries, letters, and oral testimony, offering diverse perspectives on human experiences.

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Study Notes

SPRM Exam Notes

  • Social and Political Research Methods (Università degli Studi di Padova)
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  • Not sponsored by any university.

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This quiz focuses on the fundamentals of Social and Political Research Methods as taught at the Università degli Studi di Padova. It aims to help students grasp key concepts and frameworks necessary for understanding research methodologies in the social sciences.

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