Public Administration Research Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary terms covering the fundamentals of research, its characteristics, types of studies, and its specific application within Public Administration and policy.

Research (Functional definition)

The process of finding answers to research questions, characterized by the use of tested procedures and methods, requiring an unbiased and objective attitude.

Research (As a way of thinking)

An inquisitive, critical, and analytical approach to an area of study to gain in-depth knowledge of its rationale, relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Evidence-based practice (EBP)

Making decisions or solving problems using the best information available from research, combined with personal experience and the needs or values of communities.

Bias

A deliberate and often unfair preference, leaning, or prejudice for or against something, such as intentionally selecting participants to confirm a narrative.

Subjectivity

The quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or prior experiences; it is inherent and non-deliberate rather than intentional.

Controlled (Research characteristic)

A study design where the researcher ensures they can see how a cause affects an effect without too many other factors interfering.

Rigorous (Research characteristic)

Being meticulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to find answers are relevant, appropriate, and justified.

Systematic (Research characteristic)

A requirement that the procedures adopted to undertake an investigation follow a logical sequence.

Valid and verifiable

A characteristic where conclusions are correct and can be confirmed by both the original researcher and others.

Empirical

Conclusions drawn based on hard evidence gathered from information collected through real-life experiences or observations.

Critical (Research characteristic)

The requirement that the process adopted and the procedures used must be able to withstand external scrutiny.

Descriptive study

A study that describes a situation, problem, or phenomenon.

Correlational study

A study designed to investigate whether or not there is a relationship between two variables.

Explanatory research

Research that attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more variables.

Exploratory research

Research focused on exploring an area where little is currently known.

Feasibility study

An investigation into the possibility of undertaking a specific study on a larger scale.

Pilot study

A small-scale test run of the actual research project.

Applied nature (PAD research)

A feature of Public Administration research where subjects are not studied in laboratories but are situated in everyday reality.

Policy as a subject of research

Research focusing on how policies function as tools to achieve specific goals, implementation effectiveness, and service delivery improvement.

Trend research

Analysing social, economic, or cultural developments and predicting possible outcomes through scenarios to help guide new policies.

Cost-benefit analysis

Assessing the expected costs and benefits of a policy, either ex ante (before) or ex post (after), including non-monetary values.

Evaluation research

Research specifically aimed at assessing how effective or efficient a policy is.

Policy as the outcome of research

Conducting research specifically to design or improve policy tools, such as new laws, subsidies, or management methods like ICT tools.