PLCY306 Final Exam

Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

A variable that is measured in an experiment, its value is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Causal Mechanism

Positionality

A researcher’s social, political, and personal standpoint, including their identity and experiences, and how that influences the research process.

Reflexivity

A researcher’s self-examination of their own biases, beliefs, and background, and how those influence the research process, such as interviewing, interpreting data, and ensuring transparency; often done by keeping reflective journals and notes.

Six Principles of Research Ethics

Informed consent, justice, beneficence, confidentiality, non-maleficence, and anonymity.

Six Factors of Effective Policy

Efficiency, Efficacy, Feasibility, Cost, and Equity

Historical/Archival Research

Evaluating historical or archival data to uncover evidence, context, and narratives to support research.

Interviewing Elites

When interviewing ____, there is power asymmetry, difficulty scheduling, difficulty making connections, and access barriers.

Interviewing Regulars

When interviewing ____, there is more of a power balance (but power asymmetry to the interviewee), ease of scheduling, ease of access, and more ease making connections.

Interviewing Vulnerable Populations

When interviewing ____, you need to approach it with beneficence and non-maleficence. Additionally, there are safety concerns for the interviewee, and responsibility of the interviewer to protect them.