The essay is synoptic. This means it should demonstrate your broader understanding of all the themes studied in the first half of the module, and your ability to synthesize these with in-depth knowledge of specific topics to formulate a convincing argument. In your answers you should refer to examples from/relevant to Politics and/or International Relations research.
1. Critically evaluate to what extent can quantitative and qualitative social science research be objective?
2. Review and critique a significant work of comparative analysis. You should bear in mind:
a. The identification of the research problem
b. The framework for comparison
c. The method of comparison
d. The unit and level of analysis
e. The identification and control of variables
3. Explain how you would use quantitative research to investigate the extent to which social structure shaped the results of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
4. ‘Not everything that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted.’ (Einstein). Can the quantitative method fully portray the complexities of social life? In your answer you should evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of quantitative research.
5. How far do notions of validity and reliability ensure quality in qualitative research?
6. To what extent can Critical Discourse Analysis be regarded as ‘dissident scholarship’ (Milliken 1999: 227)? What are the implications for using it as a method?
7. Critically evaluate two different data collection methods; including consideration of their epistemological underpinning, uses and benefits, disadvantages and difficulties in utilising them. (NB. Examples of data collection methods include structured interviews/surveys; focus groups; semi-structured or in-depth interviews; observation; participant observation; etc)
8. Is the contemporary emphasis on ethics in social science research a positive development? Focus on Politics and/or International Relations research in your answer.
Pick one of these questions and answer
If you could please atleast reference this text book “Political research: methods and practise skills” that would be great thank you
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