Linking Theory and Empirical Research

Question 1

Explain the process of induction. What is it mainly used for?

Answer 1

Induction moves from the specific to the general. From evidence to theory. It is mainly used to develop theory and for interpretative research.

Question 2

What is the black swan problem?

Answer 2

The black swan problem entails the fact that a theory based on induction is only verified when observing every possible instance of something, which is impossible. It is always likely a theory will be proven wrong in circumstances

Question 3

What is often the goal of an inductive research process?

Answer 3

An inductive research process mainly focusses on development of new theory, rather than testing theory. They do not state firm hypotheses, instead looking to develop more concrete theory.

Question 4

Explain deductive research. What is it mainly used for?

Answer 4

Deductive approaches look to move from the general to the specific, testing and looking to validate or falsify claims made. It does this by testing on data.

Question 5

What is a research design? What does this entail?

Answer 5

A research design is a plan that explains how a hypothesis will be tested/investigated. It looks at what evidence will be needed, how this will be collected and then how it will be analysed.

Question 6

What is essential for a research design to involve/contain?

Answer 6

Research designs must operationalise key concepts and specify the units of analysis.

Question 7

What is operationalisation? What sort of research is this most important for?

Answer 7

Operationalisation is the defining and specifying of concepts to allow them to be measured. It allows the empirical measurement of a concept, and is especially important for quantitative research.

Question 8

What are the 3 main levels of analysis?

Answer 8

• Micro - individuals
• Meso - parties, groups, institutions, demographics, etc.
• Macro - countries, regions, societies