Research Design And Methods Questions Long
In political science, researchers use various types of research questions to investigate different aspects of political phenomena. These research questions help guide the research process and determine the type of data that needs to be collected and analyzed. Here are some of the different types of research questions commonly used in political science:
1. Descriptive Research Questions: These questions aim to describe political phenomena or events. They focus on providing a detailed account of a particular political situation, policy, or behavior. For example, "What are the main factors influencing voter turnout in a specific country?"
2. Explanatory Research Questions: These questions seek to explain the causes or reasons behind political phenomena. They aim to identify the relationships between variables and understand why certain political events or behaviors occur. For example, "What factors contribute to the rise of populist movements in Western democracies?"
3. Comparative Research Questions: These questions involve comparing political phenomena across different countries, regions, or time periods. They aim to identify similarities and differences in political systems, policies, or behaviors. For example, "How does the welfare state differ between Scandinavian countries and the United States?"
4. Normative Research Questions: These questions focus on evaluating political phenomena based on ethical or moral standards. They aim to determine what should be done or what is the right course of action in a particular political context. For example, "Should the death penalty be abolished in a specific country?"
5. Causal Research Questions: These questions aim to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. They seek to determine whether changes in one variable lead to changes in another variable. For example, "Does foreign aid contribute to economic development in developing countries?"
6. Exploratory Research Questions: These questions are used when little is known about a particular political phenomenon. They aim to explore and generate new insights or theories. For example, "What are the potential impacts of emerging technologies on political participation?"
7. Evaluative Research Questions: These questions focus on assessing the effectiveness or impact of specific policies, programs, or interventions. They aim to determine whether a particular political intervention has achieved its intended outcomes. For example, "Has the implementation of a specific anti-corruption policy reduced corruption levels in a country?"
It is important to note that these types of research questions are not mutually exclusive, and researchers often use a combination of them to address complex political issues. The choice of research question depends on the research objectives, available data, and the theoretical framework guiding the study.