PSC 202 1st Edition Lecture 8 Outline of Last Lecture I. Experiments II. Quasi ExperimentsOutline of Current Lecture I. Quasi ExperimentsII. Observational studiesIII. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Current LectureIV. Quasi Experiments- research methods that seek to mimic conditions of a controlled experiment- they often exploit a naturally occurring process- independent variable changes beyond researcher’s control- why “quasi”?1. quasi means “sort of”2. the researcher does no control the selection process3. no randomizationV. Observational studies- methods 1. experiments2. quantitative3. qualitative4. descriptive: case studies (a theoretical), ethnographic research, biographies, histories- observe the values of the independent and dependent variables in a sample of cases (observations) - analyze the data to draw an inference about the relationship between the variables - populationsampleone value of independent variable another value of independent variable- forces of comparisons1. cross-sectional: (across space): we observe a sample of cases at a single point in time and compare across themThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.2. longitudinal (across time): we observe a case of sample of cases at multiple points in timeVI. Qualitative vs. Quantitative - qualitative: seeks to identify causes of specific outcomes in specific cases- qualitative: outcomes in specific cases are not a concern- causality1. qualitative: necessary and sufficient causes; different combinations of variables produce causal effects2. quantitative: the “average” effect of independent variables across the sample of cases- scope of claims1. qualitative: highly accurate claims about specific cases, less generizable2. quantitative: broad, general claims. Not necessarily accurate in specific areas- case selection1. qualitative: careful selection of cases to set up the relevant comparison2. quantitative: random (or complete) selection of cases without regard to