What is science? L1

Question 1

Empirical Cycle

Answer 1

Deductive Research: based on the formulation, testing and validity of hypotheses.
· The research is done based on theory
Inductive Research: based on the observation of the empirical world theories can be developed.
· Axioms are the blocks building up a theory.

Question 2

What does the research aim allow?

Answer 2

Research aims allow to give precise information of the study’s purpose.

Question 3

Research Aim: EXPLORATORY

Answer 3

Little knowledge about the topic
Explanation of what happened
Feelings

Question 4

Research Aim: DESCRIPTIVE

Answer 4

Observe the empirical world
Come up with patterns
Differences & Similarities

Question 5

Research Aim: EXPLANATORY

Answer 5

Explain the causes.
Develop new theories

Question 6

Research Aim: TESTING

Answer 6

Formulate and Test hypotheses
Expectations meeting reality
Answer a “yes/no” question

Question 7

Research Aim: DIAGNOSIS

Answer 7

What are the issues?
Look for solutions to solve the problem

Question 8

Research Aim: DESIGN

Answer 8

Implementing solutions
What can be prevented?

Question 9

Research Aim: EVALUATIVE

Answer 9

To what extent have the solutions implemented solved the issue?
Evaluate the outcome and targets achieved.

Question 10

Problematising

Answer 10

Deciding and shaping what topic will be researched.

Question 11

Questions when formulating a research problem

Answer 11

What will be studied
How will be studied
What will be found and validated

Question 12

Issues when formulating the RP

Answer 12

Aim and question are unclear
RP isn’t precise enough
Limited conclusions
Doesn’t meet the sponsor’s requests

Question 13

When formulating a RQ it is key to consider that:

Answer 13

It denotes units
States place and time
Will use theories to answer the question

Question 14

Issues when formulating a RQ

Answer 14

Level of abstraction (no link between X & Y)
Unprecise wording
Prejudiced statements

Question 15

What is a theory?

Answer 15

Is an interconnected and coherent system aiming to describe, explain or predict certain phenomenta

Question 16

Theory’s Aspects
(HAM)

Answer 16

Hypotheses: test and formulate
Assumptions: basic ideas of humankind
Models: studying phenomena which is then converted into variables (these are usually conceptualised)

Question 17

Features of Public Administration

Answer 17

1. Solves day to day issues
2. It has become more interconnected
3. There are little theories

Question 18

3 main premises when researching in Public Administration

Answer 18

1. Policy as the subject of research: policies are used to achieve aims
2. Research feeding into policy: analysing how the current policy can be improved
3. Policy as the outcome of research: policy-making process

Question 19

What is the regulative cycle?
Steps

Answer 19

The regulative cycle is the cycle used in Public Administration Research
1. Define RP & RQ
2. Diagnosis
3. Plan
4. Intervention
5. Evaluate

Question 20

What is the principle of falsification?

Answer 20

The Principle of Falsification, developed by K.Popper, states that nothing is false until proven so.
Thus, reinforcing the idea that Ho will always be considered true unless is refuted with other evidence, then H1 becomes the most likely valid response.

Question 21

According to the Principle of Falsification what are the 2 main premises in which the researcher didn’t test the theory correctly?

Answer 21

1. Selectivity: the researcher only focuses on facts confirming expectations
2. Not studying all situations: before drawing conclusions all situations need to be studied.