Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts _ Study Guide and Practice Questions Page 1 2026-03-20
Comprehensive Political
Science Research Methods
& Concepts | Study Guide
and Practice Questions
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,Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts Page 2 2026-03-20
Terms in this set (36)
Literature Review A literature review is a structured summary and evaluation of existing
scholarly research on a topic. It identifies what scholars already know,
where they disagree, and where gaps in knowledge remain. This step is
important because research does not occur in isolation; it builds on an
ongoing academic conversation. By reviewing prior studies,
researchers avoid duplicating work and can refine their own research
questions. We learned that literature reviews help situate a study
theoretically and methodologically within the field. They also reveal
patterns in how concepts have been defined and measured.
Ultimately, a strong literature review justifies why a new study is
necessary and meaningful.
Page 2 of 21 2 of 21 Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts.pdf
, Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts Page 3 2026-03-20
Hypothesis A hypothesis is a clear, testable statement predicting a relationship
between two or more variables. It is derived from theory and specifies
what the researcher expects to observe. Hypotheses are important
because they guide the research design and data collection process.
We learned that strong hypotheses are falsifiable, meaning they can
be proven wrong with evidence. They clearly identify independent and
dependent variables and often specify the direction of the relationship.
Hypotheses allow researchers to move beyond description toward
explanation. They are central to the scientific method because they
connect abstract theory to observable reality.
Page 3 of 21 3 of 21 Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts.pdf
Comprehensive Political
Science Research Methods
& Concepts | Study Guide
and Practice Questions
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_1 of 21Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts _ Study Guide and Practice Questions.pdf
Page 1 of 21
,Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts Page 2 2026-03-20
Terms in this set (36)
Literature Review A literature review is a structured summary and evaluation of existing
scholarly research on a topic. It identifies what scholars already know,
where they disagree, and where gaps in knowledge remain. This step is
important because research does not occur in isolation; it builds on an
ongoing academic conversation. By reviewing prior studies,
researchers avoid duplicating work and can refine their own research
questions. We learned that literature reviews help situate a study
theoretically and methodologically within the field. They also reveal
patterns in how concepts have been defined and measured.
Ultimately, a strong literature review justifies why a new study is
necessary and meaningful.
Page 2 of 21 2 of 21 Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts.pdf
, Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts Page 3 2026-03-20
Hypothesis A hypothesis is a clear, testable statement predicting a relationship
between two or more variables. It is derived from theory and specifies
what the researcher expects to observe. Hypotheses are important
because they guide the research design and data collection process.
We learned that strong hypotheses are falsifiable, meaning they can
be proven wrong with evidence. They clearly identify independent and
dependent variables and often specify the direction of the relationship.
Hypotheses allow researchers to move beyond description toward
explanation. They are central to the scientific method because they
connect abstract theory to observable reality.
Page 3 of 21 3 of 21 Comprehensive Political Science Research Methods & Concepts.pdf
