Quantitative research is about things you can count. Quantitative data is collected using numbers or discrete categories and analyzed using statistics. Specialized observation and measurement of political and social phenomena form the basis for the inferences we make using quantitative data and statistics. Most of you will take POL 7051 – Quantitative Research and Data Analysis, so this section is just in brief introduction or refresher.
Remember our conversation about variables? Quantitative research uses specific ways to measure these variables. Watch these two videos describing the levels of measurement and how they enable us to do quantitative data analysis.
That’s ok. We’ll cover research design and best practices in POL 7001 (Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation). Some preliminary reading is recommended, however. Take a look at the undergrad methods text we use: The Process of Social Research, or the book we recommend for all graduate students: Creswell’s Mixed Methods Research.
That’s ok. The statistical analysis methods you’ll learn rely heavily on basic algebra. Yes, some statistics are based on Calculus, but you don’t need to understand Calculus to understand most of the principles. For an extensive Math refresher in linear algebra, probability, etc., take a look at Harvard’s Political Science Math Prefresher course book
The University of Cincinnati uses the online learning system LinkedInLearning, which offers a number of intro courses for Excel and for data analysis. When you login to Bearcats Landing, click on the “Tools” drop-down and then on LinkedInLearning. Once you’ve logged in, search for “Excel 2019 essential training,” “Cleaning up data in Excel,” and “Excel: common mistakes and how to avoid them.”
Well…. good research and analysis practices are key to becoming an expert in politics, public policy, and public administration. For some encouragement, take a look at Chris Achen’s advice to new students of political science research methods.
Shark Attacks are bad for Democracy. That’s why political science research methods, design, and analysis are important!