Epistemology + Research Design

What is epistemology in political science?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge- how we know what we know. It shapes what counts as evidence and how research is designed and interpreted.

Why must researchers be explicit about their epistemological stance?

Because it influences research questions, methods, and interpretations- e.g., positivists seek objective truths; interpretivists explore meanings and context.

What is reflexivity in research?

Reflexivity is the process by which researchers critically examine how their own background, assumptions, and position may shape their research.

What is research design in political science?

A research design is the structured plan for how a study will be conducted- including the research question, method, data collection, and analysis- to ensure rigour and validity.

What is the purpose of research design?

To connect theory with evidence in a coherent way, allowing researchers to test hypotheses, explain patterns, or interpret meanings. It provides a systematic approach to investigate research questions and ensure the reliability and validity of findings.

What is the difference between methodology and methods?

Methodology is the philosophical and theoretical rationale behind a research approach; methods are the specific tools or techniques used (e.g., surveys, interviews). Methodology provides the framework guiding research, while methods are the practical means employed to collect and analyze data.

How do positivist and interpretivist research designs differ in political science?

• Positivist: Focus on objective reality, measurable variables, causal relationships (e.g., large-N statistical analysis).

• Interpretivist: Focus on subjective meaning, context, and understanding (e.g., ethnography, discourse analysis).
  Positivist research designs emphasize quantifiable data and objective findings, using methods like experiments and surveys, while interpretivist designs prioritize the understanding of social phenomena through qualitative methods that explore meaning and context.

Example of a positivist research design?

A study examining how income level statistically predicts voting behaviour using regression analysis on national survey data.

Example of an interpretivist research design?

A study exploring how migrants understand "belonging" through interviews and thematic analysis, grounded in poststructuralist theory.

When would you use a quantitative method in political science?

When aiming to test hypotheses, generalise findings, or analyse trends across large populations — often associated with behaviouralism.

When would you use a qualitative method?

To explore complex social meanings, identity, or discourse- especially in feminist, poststructuralist, or interpretivist research

What are the strengths of qualitative research design?

Context-rich data, flexibility, deeper insights into subjective experiences and meanings

What are the strengths of quantitative research design?

Objectivity, replicability, generalisability, statistical rigour.

What is triangulation in research design?

The use of multiple methods or data sources to cross-check findings, improving validity and reducing bias

What is reflexivity and why is it important?

Reflexivity involves acknowledging the researcher’s own influence on the study. It is vital in interpretivist and feminist research to maintain transparency and ethical integrity

What is a case study design

An in-depth analysis of a single case (or a small number of cases) to explore a phenomenon within its real-world context. Can be positivist or interpretivist depending on framing

What is falsifiability and which approach prioritises it?

The idea that theories should be testable and refutable. Central to positivist and behaviouralist designs (Popperian philosophy of science)

Why is a well-structured research question important? I

It defines the scope, directs the methodology, and ensures that the study remains focused and coherent

Why is research design essential in political science?

It ensures that findings are credible, coherent, and ethically grounded. Without clear design, research risks being anecdotal, biased, or methodologically weak.

How does research design relate to political bias?

A strong design makes bias visible and manageable, especially through reflexivity and methodological transparency- crucial for critical and feminist researchers

Can interpretivist research be rigorous?

Yes- rigour is achieved through deep contextual understanding, transparency, and theoretical coherence, not just replicability