Quantitative Methods Study Cards

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Quantitative Methods

A research approach that focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data to understand and explain political phenomena.

Research Design

The overall plan or strategy for conducting a research study, including the selection of research methods and the design of data collection instruments.

Data Collection

The process of gathering information or data for research purposes, which can be done through surveys, interviews, observations, or existing datasets.

Data Analysis

The process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making.

Statistical Techniques

Methods and procedures used to analyze and interpret data, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and multivariate analysis.

Sampling Methods

Techniques used to select a subset of individuals or cases from a larger population for the purpose of conducting research and making inferences about the population.

Hypothesis Testing

A statistical procedure used to determine whether there is enough evidence in a sample of data to infer that a certain condition or relationship holds true in the population.

Regression Analysis

A statistical technique used to model the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables, allowing for prediction and explanation of outcomes.

Causal Inference

The process of determining whether a relationship between two variables is causal, meaning that changes in one variable directly cause changes in the other.

Experimental Design

A research design in which participants are randomly assigned to different conditions or treatments to determine the causal effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable.

Survey Research

A research method that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals through the use of questionnaires or interviews, often used to gather information about attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.

Quantitative Data Visualization

The graphical representation of quantitative data, using charts, graphs, and other visual elements to communicate patterns, trends, and relationships in the data.

Ethical Considerations in Quantitative Research

The ethical principles and guidelines that researchers must adhere to when conducting quantitative research, including informed consent, privacy protection, and data confidentiality.

Quantitative Research Limitations

The potential weaknesses or shortcomings of quantitative research methods, such as limited generalizability, reliance on self-reported data, and the inability to capture complex social phenomena.

Quantitative Research Applications

The various fields and disciplines where quantitative research methods are commonly used, including political science, sociology, economics, psychology, and public health.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical measures that summarize and describe the main features of a dataset, such as measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and measures of variability (range, standard deviation).

Inferential Statistics

Statistical techniques used to make inferences or draw conclusions about a population based on a sample of data, including hypothesis testing and confidence intervals.

Correlation

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two variables are related or vary together, ranging from -1 (perfect negative correlation) to +1 (perfect positive correlation).

Covariance

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two variables vary together, taking into account both the direction and magnitude of their relationship.

Central Limit Theorem

A fundamental concept in statistics that states that the distribution of sample means approaches a normal distribution as the sample size increases, regardless of the shape of the population distribution.

Confidence Interval

A range of values within which the true value of a population parameter is estimated to lie, with a certain level of confidence, based on a sample of data.

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis that assumes there is no significant relationship or difference between variables, which is tested against an alternative hypothesis in hypothesis testing.

Alternative Hypothesis

A hypothesis that contradicts or negates the null hypothesis, suggesting that there is a significant relationship or difference between variables, which is tested against the null hypothesis in hypothesis testing.

Type I Error

A statistical error that occurs when the null hypothesis is rejected, even though it is true, leading to a false positive conclusion.

Type II Error

A statistical error that occurs when the null hypothesis is not rejected, even though it is false, leading to a false negative conclusion.

P-value

A probability value that measures the strength of evidence against the null hypothesis, with a smaller p-value indicating stronger evidence against the null hypothesis.

Multiple Regression

A regression analysis technique that models the relationship between a dependent variable and multiple independent variables, allowing for the examination of their combined effects.

Logistic Regression

A regression analysis technique used when the dependent variable is binary or categorical, estimating the probability of an event occurring based on the values of the independent variables.

Time Series Analysis

A statistical technique used to analyze and forecast data collected over time, identifying patterns, trends, and seasonality in the data.

Panel Data Analysis

A statistical technique used to analyze data collected from multiple individuals or entities over time, accounting for both cross-sectional and time-series variations.

Random Sampling

A sampling method in which every individual or case in the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample, ensuring representativeness and reducing bias.

Stratified Sampling

A sampling method in which the population is divided into distinct subgroups or strata, and individuals or cases are randomly selected from each stratum in proportion to their representation in the population.

Cluster Sampling

A sampling method in which the population is divided into clusters or groups, and a random sample of clusters is selected, with all individuals or cases within the selected clusters included in the sample.

Convenience Sampling

A non-probability sampling method in which individuals or cases are selected based on their availability or accessibility, often leading to biased or non-representative samples.

Snowball Sampling

A non-probability sampling method in which initial participants are selected based on specific criteria, and additional participants are recruited through referrals or recommendations from existing participants.

Cross-Sectional Study

A research design that collects data from a sample of individuals or cases at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of the population at that particular moment.

Longitudinal Study

A research design that collects data from a sample of individuals or cases over an extended period of time, allowing for the examination of changes and trends over time.

Experimental Group

The group of participants in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable or treatment being studied, allowing for the assessment of its effects on the dependent variable.

Control Group

The group of participants in an experiment that does not receive the independent variable or treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

Random Assignment

The process of randomly assigning participants to different conditions or treatments in an experiment, ensuring that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group.

External Validity

The extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized or applied to other populations, settings, or conditions beyond the specific sample and context of the study.

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study provides evidence of a causal relationship between variables, ruling out alternative explanations or confounding factors.

Response Rate

The percentage of individuals or cases in a sample who complete a survey or participate in a study, reflecting the representativeness and quality of the data collected.

Nonresponse Bias

A type of bias that occurs when individuals who choose not to participate in a study or survey differ systematically from those who do participate, leading to biased or unrepresentative results.

Data Visualization

The graphical representation of data, using charts, graphs, and other visual elements to communicate patterns, trends, and relationships in the data.

Ethics in Research

The principles and guidelines that researchers must adhere to when conducting research, including informed consent, privacy protection, and the responsible use of data.

Research Ethics Committees

Independent committees that review and approve research studies involving human participants, ensuring that ethical standards and guidelines are followed.

Research Validity

The extent to which a research study measures what it intends to measure and produces accurate and reliable results, ensuring the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings.

Research Reliability

The consistency and stability of research findings, indicating the degree to which the results can be replicated or repeated under similar conditions.

Research Bias

Systematic errors or distortions in research findings, resulting from flaws in study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation, which can lead to inaccurate or misleading conclusions.

Research Ethics

The moral principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research, ensuring the protection of human subjects, the responsible use of data, and the integrity of the research process.

Research Methods

The specific techniques, procedures, and tools used to collect and analyze data in a research study, including surveys, experiments, interviews, and statistical analysis.

Research Questions

The specific questions or inquiries that a research study aims to answer, guiding the selection of research methods, data collection instruments, and data analysis techniques.

Research Hypotheses

The specific statements or predictions that a research study aims to test or verify, guiding the selection of research methods, data collection instruments, and data analysis techniques.

Research Variables

The measurable characteristics or properties that are studied or manipulated in a research study, including independent variables, dependent variables, and control variables.

Research Sampling

The process of selecting a subset of individuals or cases from a larger population for the purpose of conducting research, ensuring representativeness and reducing bias.

Research Data

The information or observations collected in a research study, which can be qualitative or quantitative, primary or secondary, and obtained through various methods and sources.

Research Analysis

The process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling research data to discover useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making.

Research Findings

The results, conclusions, or discoveries that are derived from the analysis of research data, providing answers to the research questions or hypotheses.

Research Report

A written document that presents the findings, methodology, and implications of a research study, often including an introduction, literature review, methods section, results section, and conclusion.