POL322Y5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Random Assignment, Dependent And Independent Variables, Confounding
Document Summary
The relevance of laboratory experiments in political science. When political scientists design their research, they design strategies that can be used to empirically test whether x causes y. To begin, a researcher must understand the basic logic of experimental research. In political science, an experiment = randomized controlled experiment" (rce) In a controlled experiment, the researcher controls the value of the independent variable. This manipulation of the independent variable is done to address reverse causality and simultaneity. In this experiment, the researcher does their best to make sure everything is constant. This consistency addresses the concerns of confounding variables. However, in the social sciences, this method of research is inadequate. For this question, the 2012 u. s election will be used. According to a theory by conservative political strategist frank luntz, political ads are designed with the intent to get a person"s/party"s voter base engaged and involved. Turnout is the objective pursued by these ads.
