PSC Research Methods in Political Science 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which research method involves collecting numerical data and using statistical techniques to test hypotheses about political phenomena?
- Ethnography
- Discourse analysis
- Quantitative research (Correct answer)
- Participant observation
Correct answer: Quantitative research
Quantitative research uses numerical measurement and statistical analysis to test theories and establish causal relationships or correlations in political phenomena.
Question 2: In political science research, a 'dependent variable' is:
- The variable the researcher manipulates
- The phenomenon the researcher seeks to explain (Correct answer)
- A control variable held constant
- A variable measured before the study begins
Correct answer: The phenomenon the researcher seeks to explain
The dependent variable is the outcome or phenomenon the researcher seeks to explain, which is hypothesized to be caused or influenced by the independent variable.
Question 3: Which of the following best defines 'operationalization' in political science research?
- Conducting field research in foreign countries
- Defining how abstract concepts will be measured (Correct answer)
- Operating government data collection programs
- Writing literature reviews for academic papers
Correct answer: Defining how abstract concepts will be measured
Operationalization is the process of defining how an abstract theoretical concept will be measured or observed in concrete, empirical terms in a study.
Question 4: A random sample in survey research is important because it:
- Is cheaper than non-random sampling
- Ensures the sample is representative of the larger population (Correct answer)
- Eliminates all measurement error
- Allows researchers to choose who to include
Correct answer: Ensures the sample is representative of the larger population
Random sampling gives every member of the population an equal chance of selection, minimizing sampling bias and enabling researchers to generalize findings to the broader population.
Question 5: The concept of 'internal validity' in research design refers to:
- Whether findings can be generalized to other populations
- Whether the study actually measures what it claims to measure
- Whether the research design correctly identifies causal relationships (Correct answer)
- Whether the study was conducted ethically
Correct answer: Whether the research design correctly identifies causal relationships
Internal validity refers to the confidence that observed relationships in a study reflect true causal connections rather than confounding variables or design flaws.
Question 6: Which research approach involves in-depth study of a single case — a country, event, or institution — to develop or test theory?
- Comparative analysis
- Survey research
- Case study method (Correct answer)
- Regression analysis
Correct answer: Case study method
The case study method involves detailed examination of a single unit (a country, movement, or event) to build or test theoretical propositions about broader political phenomena.
PSC Research Methods in Political Science 1
Which research method involves collecting numerical data and using statistical techniques to test hypotheses about political phenomena?