24-1 final week big ideas and questions

Summary

The lecturer emphasizes that political science is often misunderstood as merely an extension of cable news discussions. Instead, it is a scientific approach to understanding and explaining the world, which forms the basis for addressing 'what should be' questions. The semester's focus has been on the challenges of applying the scientific method to the social world, which lacks the controlled conditions of a lab. Key issues include the difficulty of measurement, the need for careful sampling when making inferences, and establishing control over variables when investigating causal relationships. The lecturer suggests that students use these three areas of concern as a framework for critically evaluating any research they encounter. They encourage the development of a structured approach to analyzing research, which can be applied to future studies in political science and beyond. The lecturer concludes by offering support and advice for students' academic journey and future endeavors.

Takeaways

• 🧐 The study of political science is often misunderstood as merely an extension of cable news discussions, but it is a scientific approach to understanding politics and the world.
• 🌟 The primary focus of political science is to explain and understand phenomena, which can then be used to address normative questions about how the world should be.
• 🧬 A scientific approach in political science involves rigorous methods and critical thinking, which are crucial for gaining knowledge in a field that lacks a controlled laboratory environment.
• 📏 Measuring social phenomena is challenging because the social world is not a lab, making it difficult to quantify the variables of interest.
• 🔎 Inferences in political science often extend beyond the specific case studied, necessitating careful consideration of sampling methods and potential biases.
• ⚖️ Establishing causality is central to many political science inquiries, which requires controlling for other factors that could influence the outcome.
• 📈 Students are encouraged to critique research by examining its methodology, measurement, sampling strategy, and causal claims to ensure a thorough analytical assessment.
• 📋 The course aims to provide a framework for students to develop a systematic approach to evaluating any research they encounter, not just in political science.
• 💼 Students are advised to use the course material as a template for note-taking and research critique, which can be applied to various academic and professional contexts.
• 🏫 The class is designed to provide a solid foundation in political science, preparing students for future coursework and research in the field.
• 📚 The course introduces students to current topics and research in political science, preparing them for what they might encounter in subsequent semesters.
• 🤝 The instructor offers support and advice to students, encouraging them to reach out for help with academic or administrative matters, and to stay in touch post-graduation.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about political science?

The common misconception is that political science is just an extension of cable news discussions, where people talk about their opinions on what the world should be and make controversial claims about various topics.

What is the primary focus of political science?

The primary focus of political science is to explain and understand the world, which can then be used as a basis for discussing what should be, if the interest lies in that direction.

Why is the scientific approach emphasized in political science?

The scientific approach is emphasized in political science to ensure a rigorous and systematic method of gaining knowledge about political phenomena, which involves careful consideration of how we measure and infer from our studies.

What challenges does the social world present to the scientific method?

The social world presents challenges to the scientific method because it is not a controlled lab environment, making it difficult to measure the phenomena of interest, infer beyond specific cases, and establish control over other variables that could affect the outcomes.

How can the concerns discussed in the class be used to critique research?

The concerns can be used as a basis for critiquing research by examining the research's objectives, measurement methods, sampling strategy, and how causal claims are controlled for other potential explanations.

What are the three buckets of concerns that can guide the critique of research?

The three buckets of concerns are: 1) What the research is trying to achieve, 2) How the concepts are being measured, and 3) The sampling strategy and control for causal relationships in making inferences and causal claims.

How can the course framework be used for note-taking?

The course framework can be used for note-taking by creating a template that addresses the research objectives, measurement methods, and sampling strategies. This helps in systematically analyzing and understanding any piece of research.

What is the intended outcome of using the course framework?

The intended outcome is to develop a solid foundation that enables students to make analytical assessments of research, discuss and interact with research in a smart and sophisticated way, and to provide a basis for understanding and critiquing research in political science and beyond.

Why is it recommended to take this course in the early terms of study?

It is recommended to take this course early to provide a strong foundation in understanding and critiquing research methods, which can be beneficial for future studies and encounters with research in political science.

What advice does the speaker give for students moving forward?

The speaker advises students to use the course framework to develop a critical understanding of research, stay in touch after finishing the program, and not hesitate to reach out for advice or assistance in the future.

What does the speaker suggest for students enjoying their summer?

The speaker suggests that students should enjoy their summer, whether they are taking classes or not, and to keep in touch, offering help if needed.

How does the speaker encourage students to engage with research?

The speaker encourages students to engage with research by starting every encounter with a piece of research by understanding its objectives, critically evaluating its methods, and considering its broader implications.