In finding the correlation and association between two numerical variables, determined sets of information must be as accurate as possible. Otherwise, discrepancies in results and intended/unintended statistical manipulation could change the course of a mathematically involved study. For me, two factors could change the course and the outcome of a specific research in a major way – these variables are known as measurements and biased sampling.
Measurements and biased sampling correlate with one another in data extraction. However, inaccurate measurements unintentionally or intentionally done are different. Measurements based on estimation and inaccurate are also different depending on mathematical circumstances. Measurements are variables taken for granted in some aspects, but the field of a research study emphasizes on its importance and value for proving theories and hypothesis. Measurements are critical variables that can increase quality of human life, which is a positive difference-maker by setting clear goals (Gates, 2013). Judging by Gate’s statement, measurements are not just mere statistical variables, but a variable that can make a big difference in every aspect of human life, especially in the field of research studies.
Biased sampling can potentially detract the results of a specific research and may often be the resulting action towards data manipulation. Biased sampling may be part of several research objectives, but it hinders the ability of a research study to answer some questions. Furthermore, biased sampling may not be acceptable if research studies involve matching of hypothesis and results, or if research studies rely on honest and accurate outcomes. Statistical inferences with convenience samples are a risky business, and empirical generalizations from a single data set should be viewed with suspicion (Freedman and Berk, 2009). Biased sampling is still an accepted approach in data and results gathering, but researchers must consider the ethics consolidated in undertaking the study to avoid the detraction instances.
What are the concepts of reflective science that could play a major role in determining the research results in any research under the field of political science? The foundation of language and human experience covers different aspects of operational and reflective science, which assists in analyzing how it fits well with human knowledge, abilities, and practicality (Hoover and Donovan, 2011). There is the study of social science, morality, and paradigms. However, I personally believe that factuality and the scientific radicalism portrays a sense of realism towards deeper understanding of political science.
Factuality plays a role in proving politically related hypothesis, in a way that existing statements and proven facts may be altered due to alliances and ideologies. Political partisanship seems to affect factual beliefs about politics, and partisan interaction among individuals may have different views on the fact; thus creating a gap between illusion of factual beliefs than reality (Bullock et al., 2013). It goes to show that verified facts and proven theories could even be the subject of criticism, especially on how an ideology would be befittingly towards the belief of concerned politicians.
The public has continuously shown suspicion and increased awareness over political actions. The study and the idea of the scientific radicalism in politics created a sense of political interaction among the politicians and civilians. The relationship of politicians and civilians are critical in creating a whole society, and their mixing ideals, characters, and flaws present a sense of community. Present radicalism resembles a moralistic tone, wherein it mobilizes other individuals in willing a new social order (Horowitz and Sorel, 2010). In studying public participation and inquiry in politics, patterns point to different groups having a united cause that may directly influence one’s thinking and beliefs across his surroundings.
References
Bullock, J., Gerber, A., Hill, S., & Huber, G. (2013, March 1). Partisan Bias in Factual Beliefs about Politics. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
Freedman, D., & Collier, D. (2010). Statistical models and causal inference: A dialogue with the social sciences. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gates, B. (2013, January 25). Bill Gates: My Plan to Fix The World's Biggest Problems. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323539804578261780648285770
Hoover, K. &Donovan, T. (2011). The elements of social scientific thinking (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781439082423
Horowitz, I., & Sorel, G. (2010). Radicalism and the revolt against reason the social theories of Georges Sorel with a translation of his essay on The decomposition of Marxism : And a new introduction for this Golden anniversary edition. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
