PSC Research Methods and Political Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In political science, what is the difference between 'independent' and 'dependent' variables?
- The independent variable is the effect, while the dependent variable is the cause
- The independent variable is the presumed cause, while the dependent variable is the outcome being explained (Correct answer)
- Independent variables are measured numerically, while dependent variables are categorical
- Dependent variables are controlled by the researcher, while independent variables are not
Correct answer: The independent variable is the presumed cause, while the dependent variable is the outcome being explained
The independent variable is the presumed cause or explanatory factor, while the dependent variable is the outcome that the researcher is trying to explain or predict.
Question 2: What is a 'case study' methodology in political science?
- A large-N statistical analysis of many countries or elections
- An in-depth investigation of a single case (country, event, or decision) to develop or test theory (Correct answer)
- A survey of expert opinions on a specific political issue
- A formal model using game theory to predict political outcomes
Correct answer: An in-depth investigation of a single case (country, event, or decision) to develop or test theory
Case study methodology involves intensive, detailed examination of a single or small number of cases to generate or test theoretical propositions, often using diverse sources of evidence.
Question 3: What does 'ecological fallacy' mean in political research?
- Incorrectly applying findings from individual-level data to groups
- Drawing conclusions about individuals from data about the groups they belong to (Correct answer)
- Misattributing political behavior to environmental factors
- Generalizing from one region's political culture to the whole country
Correct answer: Drawing conclusions about individuals from data about the groups they belong to
The ecological fallacy is the error of inferring individual-level characteristics or behavior from aggregate (group-level) data — because patterns at the group level may not hold for individuals within the group.
Question 4: What is 'triangulation' in qualitative political research?
- Using geometric models to map electoral districts
- Using multiple data sources or methods to cross-validate research findings (Correct answer)
- The statistical technique of running three regression models on the same data
- Interviewing three informants to confirm a finding
Correct answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to cross-validate research findings
Triangulation involves using multiple methods, data sources, or investigators to check and corroborate research findings, strengthening confidence in qualitative conclusions.
Question 5: What is 'process tracing' as a method in political science?
- Tracking the legislative history of a bill through Congress
- A within-case analytical method that examines the causal mechanisms linking causes to outcomes (Correct answer)
- A statistical technique for analyzing time-series data
- A survey method that traces how political opinions change over time
Correct answer: A within-case analytical method that examines the causal mechanisms linking causes to outcomes
Process tracing examines the sequence of events and mechanisms within a case to test whether a hypothesized causal pathway actually connects an independent variable to an observed outcome.
Question 6: What does 'internal validity' mean in political science research design?
- Whether the findings can be generalized to other populations and settings
- Whether the research design accurately identifies a causal relationship within the study (Correct answer)
- Whether the study was approved by an institutional review board
- Whether the measurement instruments accurately capture the intended concepts
Correct answer: Whether the research design accurately identifies a causal relationship within the study
Internal validity refers to the degree to which a study design correctly identifies a causal relationship — ruling out alternative explanations — within the study's specific context.
PSC Research Methods and Political Analysis 2
In political science, what is the difference between 'independent' and 'dependent' variables?