Choosing a Research Design

Question 1

Research Design and Validity

Answer 1

• Research design is the fundamental strategy for creating and implementing a research plan. It outlines the structure of the study, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Internal validity is about ensuring that the results of a study accurately represent the relationships and causal connections within the study itself. It’s crucial for ensuring the study’s credibility.
• External validity, on the other hand, concerns the generalizability of research findings. Researchers need to assess whether their findings can apply to broader populations or contexts.

Question 2

Experimental Designs

Answer 2

• Experimental designs are a rigorous approach to research that involves manipulating one or more variables to observe their effects. They are particularly common in the natural sciences.
• In a laboratory experiment, researchers conduct their studies in a controlled setting, allowing them to exert precise control over variables. Field experiments occur in real-world settings, which can enhance external validity but may be less controlled.

Question 3

A ‘Natural’ Experiment

Answer 3

• This example highlights how some real-world situations can mimic the controlled conditions of a laboratory experiment, leading to a “natural” experiment.
• In Posner’s study, the division of the Chewa and Tumbuka peoples by an arbitrary border provides a unique natural experiment. By comparing these groups, researchers can examine the impact of the border on their relationships and political behavior.

Question 4

Observational Designs

Answer 4

• Observational research designs contrast with experimental designs. Instead of manipulating variables, researchers work with the naturally occurring variation in the world.
• Observational research can be further divided into variable-oriented and case-oriented designs. Researchers choose the most appropriate approach based on their research questions and goals.

Question 5

Statistical Observation

Answer 5

• Statistical observation is a critical part of observational research. It involves analyzing relationships between variables using statistical methods, such as correlations, regressions, or cross-tabulations.
• Researchers often use cross-sectional designs (examining data at a single point in time) and time-series cross-sectional designs (which analyze data across multiple time points and cases).

Question 6

Comparative Method

Answer 6

• The comparative method focuses on comparing a small number of cases to generate broader generalizations. This approach is valuable when there are too few cases for traditional statistical analyses.
• This method is versatile, enabling researchers to explore a wide range of research questions. It’s commonly used in political science, where there may be a limited number of relevant cases.