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Mps Notes

The document outlines methods in political science research, emphasizing systematic study through qualitative and quantitative approaches. It covers research design, hypothesis formulation, data collection methods, and analysis techniques, while also addressing ethical considerations and limitations in research. Key methods discussed include surveys, interviews, case studies, and comparative analysis, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

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Ishant Kumar
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11 views10 pages

Mps Notes

The document outlines methods in political science research, emphasizing systematic study through qualitative and quantitative approaches. It covers research design, hypothesis formulation, data collection methods, and analysis techniques, while also addressing ethical considerations and limitations in research. Key methods discussed include surveys, interviews, case studies, and comparative analysis, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

Uploaded by

Ishant Kumar
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

📘 Methods in Political Science – Notes

🔹 1. What is Political Science Research?


 Systematic study of political phenomena (state, power, governance, behavior).
 Involves:
o Observation
o Data collection
o Analysis
o Interpretation

Key Features:

 Objective and logical


 Evidence-based
 Replicable

🔹 2. Types of Research
a) Qualitative Research

 Focus: Ideas, meanings, experiences


 Methods:
o Interviews
o Case studies
o Content analysis
 Example: Studying voter perceptions
b) Quantitative Research

 Focus: Numbers, statistics


 Methods:
o Surveys
o Polls
o Statistical analysis
 Example: Election voting patterns

🔹 3. Research Design
A plan or blueprint of research.

Types:

 Exploratory: New topics


 Descriptive: Describes situations
 Explanatory: Explains cause-effect

Components:

 Research question
 Hypothesis
 Variables
 Methodology
🔹 4. Hypothesis
 A testable statement or prediction.

Types:

 Null hypothesis (H₀)


 Alternative hypothesis (H₁)

Example:

 “Higher education increases political participation.”

🔹 5. Variables
 Independent Variable: Cause
 Dependent Variable: Effect

Example:

 Education → Voting behavior

🔹 6. Methods of Data Collection


Primary Data:
 Surveys
 Interviews
 Observation

Secondary Data:

 Books
 Journals
 Government reports

🔹 7. Survey Method
 Most common in political research.

Features:

 Structured questionnaires
 Large sample size

Advantages:

 Reliable
 Generalizable

Limitations:

 Response bias
 Expensive
🔹 8. Interview Method
 Direct interaction with respondents

Types:

 Structured
 Semi-structured
 Unstructured

Pros:

 In-depth information

Cons:

 Time-consuming

🔹 9. Case Study Method


 Detailed study of a single unit (country, leader, event)

Example:

 Study of Indian democracy


Advantages:

 Deep understanding

Disadvantages:

 Not generalizable

🔹 10. Comparative Method


 Comparing political systems across countries

Purpose:

 Identify similarities and differences

Example:

 India vs USA democracy

🔹 11. Historical Method


 Study of past events to understand present

Sources:
 Archives
 Documents
 Records

🔹 12. Behavioural Approach


 Focus on political behavior of individuals/groups

Features:

 Scientific
 Empirical
 Data-driven

Example:

 Voting behavior studies

🔹 13. Post-Behavioural Approach


 Reaction to behaviouralism

Focus:

 Values + real-world relevance


 Action-oriented research
🔹 14. Sampling
 Selecting a subset of population

Types:

 Random sampling
 Stratified sampling
 Systematic sampling

Importance:

 Saves time and cost


 Ensures representation

🔹 15. Data Analysis


 Organizing and interpreting data

Methods:

 Statistical tools
 Graphs, charts
 Coding qualitative data
🔹 16. Ethics in Research
 Honesty
 No plagiarism
 Informed consent
 Confidentiality

🔹 17. Limitations of Political Research


 Bias
 Difficulty in measurement
 Changing political environment

📝 Quick Exam Tips


 Define terms clearly
 Use examples (India-based preferred)
 Write short headings + points
 Include scholars if possible (e.g., behaviouralism)

If you want, I can also:


✅ Convert this into PDF-style notes
✅ Add previous year questions (PYQs)
✅ Make unit-wise detailed answers for 10/15 markers

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