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Semester 3: CORE COURSE VII RESEARCH METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Research: Theoretical Framework, Scientific Inquiry, Ethics
Political Research: Theoretical Framework, Scientific Inquiry, Ethics
Theoretical frameworks serve as the foundation for understanding political phenomena. They provide a lens through which to analyze political behavior, institutions, and processes. Common frameworks include realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Each framework offers different assumptions about human nature, the role of the state, and the nature of international relations.
Scientific inquiry in political research emphasizes the systematic study of political phenomena through empirical evidence. This includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. Researchers formulate hypotheses, collect data, and analyze results to draw conclusions about political behavior. The goal is to produce reliable and valid research that contributes to the broader field of political science.
Ethical considerations are crucial in political research to ensure the integrity of the research process and the welfare of participants. Researchers must navigate issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and potential biases. Ethical guidelines help maintain transparency and accountability in research, fostering trust in political science as a discipline.
Research Process: Problem Identification, Literature Review, Hypothesis
Research Process: Problem Identification, Literature Review, Hypothesis
Process of defining a specific issue or gap within a particular field of study.
Essential for guiding research efforts and ensuring relevance.
Identify general area of interest
Narrow down to specific problems
Ensure the problem is researchable
A comprehensive overview of existing research relevant to the identified problem.
Helps in understanding what research has already been conducted and identifies gaps in knowledge.
Search for relevant academic articles
Analyze and summarize findings
Identify gaps and future research directions
A proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through research.
Guides the research design and methodology, making the study focused.
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Testable statement
Data Collection Methods: Primary and Secondary, Observation, Interviews
Data Collection Methods: Primary and Secondary, Observation, Interviews
Primary Data Collection
Primary data is data collected directly from original sources for a specific research purpose. This method includes surveys, experiments, and direct observations. It allows researchers to gather firsthand information, which is often more reliable and relevant to the research question.
Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data refers to data that has already been collected and published by other researchers or organizations. This includes books, articles, and existing datasets. Secondary data is useful for providing context and background information but may not be as current or specific as primary data.
Observation as a Data Collection Method
Observation involves systematically watching and recording behavior or events as they occur in their natural setting. This method can be either participant observation, where the researcher engages with the subjects, or non-participant observation, where the researcher remains detached. It is particularly useful in studies where context is important.
Interviews as a Data Collection Method
Interviews are a qualitative data collection method that involves direct, one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the participant. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, allowing for flexibility in responses. This method helps in exploring complex topics and obtaining in-depth information from participants.
Survey, Census, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis
Survey Census Sampling Techniques Data Analysis
A survey is a method of collecting information from individuals, typically through questionnaires or interviews, to gather data on various topics.
Cross-sectional surveys
Longitudinal surveys
Online surveys
Telephone surveys
Surveys are used to understand public opinion, assess needs, and collect data for research.
A census is a systematic counting and collection of demographic data about every individual in a population.
Censuses provide comprehensive data that underpins policy-making, resource allocation, and sociopolitical planning.
Censuses are usually conducted every ten years, as seen in many countries.
Sampling techniques are methods used to select individuals from a population to survey or study.
Probability sampling
Non-probability sampling
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Convenience sampling
Judgmental sampling
Snowball sampling
Choosing the right sampling technique ensures that the sample accurately represents the population.
Data analysis refers to the process of inspecting, cleaning, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information.
Qualitative analysis
Quantitative analysis
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R)
Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel)
Data analysis helps in drawing conclusions, verifying hypotheses, and making informed decisions in political science.
Research Report Writing: Types of Reports, Citation Styles
Research Report Writing: Types of Reports, Citation Styles
Types of Research Reports
1. Empirical Research Reports: These report original research findings based on observed and measured phenomena. They typically include sections such as introduction, methodology, results, and discussion. 2. Theoretical Research Reports: These focus on developing or evaluating theories. They often involve literature reviews and theoretical analysis rather than original empirical data. 3. Review Reports: These summarize existing research on a particular topic, identifying trends, gaps, and future research directions. They may be systematic or narrative in nature. 4. Technical Reports: These provide detailed descriptions of research methods and findings for a specific audience, including technical data and methodologies often used in scientific research.
Citation Styles
1. APA Style: Commonly used in social sciences, includes in-text citations and a reference list. It emphasizes the author-date method of citation. 2. MLA Style: Used primarily in humanities, MLA focuses on the authorship and format for citing sources through parenthetical references and a works cited page. 3. Chicago Style: Offers two formats: notes and bibliography for humanities and author-date for sciences, allowing flexibility based on discipline. 4. Harvard Style: Primarily used in the UK, it features author-date citation and is prevalent in academic writing, promoting clarity and ease of use.
Importance of Proper Report Writing
1. Clarity of Communication: Ensures the research is communicated clearly and effectively to the intended audience. 2. Credibility: Adherence to a recognized citation style enhances the credibility of the research by properly attributing sources and evidence. 3. Academic Integrity: Prevents plagiarism by acknowledging the contributions of other researchers.
Structure of a Research Report
1. Title Page: Contains the report title, author(s), institution, and date. 2. Abstract: A brief summary of the report, including key findings and conclusions. 3. Introduction: Outlines the research question, objectives, and context of the study. 4. Literature Review: Discusses existing research relevant to the study. 5. Methodology: Describes the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. 6. Results: Presents the findings of the research clearly and objectively. 7. Discussion: Interprets the results, exploring their implications and relevance. 8. Conclusion: Summarizes key findings and suggests areas for further research. 9. References: A list of all sources cited in the report.
