Slides for Week 2 of DPC's Fall 2020 section of PADMN 6289 Research Design. Topics include epistemic traditions, critical (theory) research, and research ethics. Programs of Public Affairs, Dept of Political Science, University of Utah.
the diverse epistemic traditions that have evolved in public administration. Should the field be regarded as a “science”? Or should public administration be predisposed to at least the tools of science?
measurement (empiricism) and verification of hypotheses (positivism) Knowledge is acquired through social construction Interpretivism Empiricism/Positivism Critical Theory Epistemic Approaches
be acquired through measurement (empiricism) and verification of hypotheses (positivism) Knowledge is acquired through social construction Interpretivism Empiricism/Positivism Critical Theory Epistemic Approaches
studies, small/medium/ large-n interview or survey- based studies, secondary data analysis Knowledge is acquired through social construction Interpretivism Empiricism/Positivism Critical Theory Epistemic Approaches
Qualitative/Quantitative Case studies, small/medium/ large-n interview or survey- based studies, secondary data analysis Qualitative Literary criticism, discourse analysis, historical analysis, field research Interpretivism Empiricism/Positivism Critical Theory
within myriad aspects of culture. Instead of studying social phenomena through a general (i.e. dominant) lens, critical research recognizes the various hegemonies created and maintained by and over the various identity groups in society. 02
Awareness of intersecting and overlapping systems of oppression Awareness of how researcher impacts data collection/ knowledge Situated knowledge Intersectionality Reflexivity Critical Research Research implications for both understanding and addressing inequality Research is Political
to participate Informed Consent E.g. Are research participants/ subjects being exploited for benefits that they are unlikely to enjoy? Dilemmas of Power E.g. Does researcher presence expose individuals to social, financial, physical, political (etc) risk? Dilemmas of Proximity E.g. Consider the information that is being released and the various manners in which all potential readers might use that information Dilemmas of Publication
uncomfortable with navigating the many ethical challenges that arise when conducting research with human beings, we must remind ourselves that to enter another’s world as a researcher is a privilege, not a right. ”