Ethical Considerations In Political Science Research Questions Medium
Researchers ensure the selection and analysis of relevant cases in political science research through a systematic and rigorous approach. Here are some key steps they take:
1. Defining the research question: Researchers start by clearly defining their research question or objective. This helps them identify the specific cases that are relevant to their study.
2. Literature review: Researchers conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify existing studies and theories related to their research question. This helps them understand the existing knowledge and identify potential cases that have been previously studied.
3. Case selection criteria: Researchers establish specific criteria for selecting cases that are relevant to their research question. These criteria may include factors such as geographical location, time period, political system, or specific variables of interest.
4. Sampling techniques: Researchers use various sampling techniques to ensure the selection of cases that are representative of the population or phenomenon they are studying. These techniques may include random sampling, stratified sampling, or purposive sampling.
5. Data collection: Researchers collect data from the selected cases using various methods such as surveys, interviews, archival research, or observation. They ensure that the data collected is relevant to their research question and helps them answer it effectively.
6. Data analysis: Researchers analyze the collected data using appropriate analytical techniques such as statistical analysis, content analysis, or comparative analysis. They look for patterns, trends, and relationships among variables to draw meaningful conclusions.
7. Triangulation: Researchers often use triangulation, which involves using multiple sources of data or multiple methods of data collection and analysis, to ensure the reliability and validity of their findings. This helps in cross-verifying the results and enhancing the credibility of the research.
8. Peer review and feedback: Researchers seek feedback from their peers, advisors, or experts in the field to ensure that their case selection and analysis are sound and relevant. Peer review helps in identifying any potential biases or limitations in the research.
Overall, researchers ensure the selection and analysis of relevant cases in political science research by following a systematic and transparent process that is guided by the research question, existing literature, and rigorous methodologies. This helps in producing reliable and valid findings that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of political science.