Academic Skills and Research Concepts

Question 1

Deductive Research Approaches

Answer 1

Start with a theory, and by using observations & testing hypothesis, develops a result to prove/disprove the theory to then create conclusion

Question 2

Inductive Research Approaches

Answer 2

Starts with an observation, then creates a broad generalisation to then create a theory

Question 3

Structure and Agency general

Answer 3

Labels and conceptual tools that we use to explain and understand the world

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

The social and political context in which the object we are studying is set
- It’s a concept of order
- Describes an exertion of control perhaps over peoples lives of political issues
- Can manifest itself as institutions, practices, norms, political conventions etc.

Question 5

Agency

Answer 5

The ability to act or chose to do something, do what you want or intend to do without constraint, based on a sense of awareness of available choices

Question 6

Causation

Answer 6

The establishment of a direct casual relationship between two variables, A causes B

Question 7

Correlation

Answer 7

That there exists a non-causal relationship between two variables, both A and B change but one hasn’t caused another

Question 8

Critical Analysis

Answer 8

Asking why and how people claim said points and why are they relevant to your point
- Well-reasoned argument based on evidence
- The unpacking of the how, what and why of other arguments to repack them through your own argument as well as analysis the link between this literature and your argument

Question 9

Data Analysis and Policymaking

Answer 9

Data can be used for policymaking, to create social restrictions and response to a crisis e.g. Covid Lockdowns, and can be manipulated for alternative means

Question 10

Data Analysis

Answer 10

What is the basis of your argument claim, does it have sufficient evidence

Question 11

Referencing

Answer 11

Accurate info and source material is the very basis of good research and therefore the prevention of mistakes and political failures

Question 12

Understanding the importance of Research Questions

Answer 12

Understanding what can be asked and established, and that what we ask shapes the direction and output of research, and also understanding the limits to our own research abilities and of the data and evidence available

Question 13

Understanding the importance of Research Questions - Exam specific

Answer 13

• What is the assessment asking you to do, how is it embedded in the modules and how does it engage with learning outcomes.
• What is the actual question asking you to do and not do

Question 14

Using feedback effectively

Answer 14

Feedback is designed to be an ongoing process that allows you to develop and train in how to improve
- Looking back and critically reflecting on what you have done before and what you can do differently is how to improve

Question 15

Time Management

Answer 15

Planning- how long will research take, how long will writing take, other commitments

Question 16

Engagement with evidence/literature

Answer 16

Demonstrating a wider contextual understanding of the topics, references and importantly the use and analysis of them

Question 17

Critical Reflection

Answer 17

Have you done what you set out to do with your own argument, is it clear and understandable, have you done what you said you would in the intro