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Elements of Empirical Approach

Elements of Empirical Approach

Overview

Module 2 describes different features of empirical research, drawing a comparison between scientific and normative knowledge. Terms such as theory and hypothesis are used to outline the steps to empirical research.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Identify eight characteristics of empiricism.
  2. Discuss the importance of theory in empiricism.
  3. Explain the five steps in the empirical research process.
  4. Describe practical obstacles that challenge the empirical approach.

READING MATERIALS:

Textbook Reading: Political Science Research Methods, Chapter 2, pp. 25-35 only

https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-soc-073018-022550;jsessionid=p0yYQ20l5worPT4_PM6PovfRNLuVf5-zmIGvw9QB.annurevlive-10-241-10-101

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305750X23003315?fr=RR-2&ref=pdf_download&rr=976069ad2844699c

Lecture: Empirical Approach

This lecture discusses in detail the specific characteristics of empirical research, including the steps involved in any empirical research design process. It uses the OConnor article to illustrate how these steps appear in an empirical study, while also providing an overview of how to interpret regression tables, or, how to get the “main takeaways” from a quantitative empirical study even without having in-depth knowledge of regression techniques

ASSIGNMENT:

In Module 2, we are looking at the empirical approach to political science in Chapter 2 in our text. After reading Chapter 2 and the materials assigned, complete the following assignment, due by Monday

After covering the material in Module 2, answer the following in full sentences:

  1. Identify and discuss the importance of two different elements of empiricism.
  2. Why is falsifiability a key characteristic of the scientific method?
  3. Empirical knowledge is cumulative: why is this important?
  4. What is the difference between normative and non-normative knowledge?
  5. Provide an example of a normative and a non-normative issue/topic.
  6. Why would anomalies spur research?
  7. Why is theory important to research?
  8. Explain the difference between induction and deduction.
  9. Provide an example of an inductive theory.
  10. Why are theories with a greater explanatory range generally more valuable to the discipline?
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