Answering questions - Assignment Example

Political analysis Do the researchers clearly specify the main research question or problem? What is the why question? Yes, there is a specific research question in the research paper. The researcher wants to establish why different newspapers or media portray politicians in a different manner in the same election race. 2. Have the researchers demonstrated the value and significance of their research question and indicated how their research findings will contribute to scientific knowledge about their topic?

The researchers have illustrated in a clear manner the significance of research finding in that they have shown the existence of bias in the newspapers photograph selection process, which is also seen in television selection process. 3. Have the researchers proposed clear explanations for the political phenomena that interest them? What types of relationship are hypothesized? Do they discuss alternative explanations?I think the researchers have proposed a clear explanation for political phenomena that interest them in that they were determined to show how media coverage during election period works in favor of some candidates while disadvantaging other candidates in the same race.

The relationship between media coverage and its influence voters’ perception about political figures. 4. Are the independent and dependent variables identified? If so, what are they? Have the authors considered any alternative or control variables? If so, identify them. Can you think of any variables that the researchers did not mention?The independent variable in the research is media coverage while voters’ perception on political figure is dependent variable. The authors did not identify control variables in the research.

There is no other variable that can be stated. 5. Are the hypotheses empirical, general, and plausible? Yes, the hypothesis is empirical, general, and plausible since the researchers derived their data from distinct sources, which showed similar trend. 6. Are the concepts in the hypotheses clearly defined? Are the operational definitions given for the variables valid and reasonable? What is the level of measurement for each of the variables?Yes, the hypotheses are clearly defined but operational definitions have not been given.

The measurements were done statistically to identify the biasness in the newspapers selection process since the researchers measured the political atmosphere of a newspaper in two separate manners, the endorsement in the race and the editorial pattern over time. 7. What method of data collection is used to make the necessary observation? Are the observation valid and the measures reliable?As Pollock asserts, it is good to use questionnaires when collecting data concerning political trends as this gives the researcher true and viable information.

In this research, the researchers used quantitative method to collect data, which helped them to generate trends and extrapolations. In addition, it permits comparison of result in distinct areas of development in various situations. Further, it is easy to influence information in reproducible and consistent way. 8. Have the researchers made empirical observations about the units of analysis specified in the hypotheses?Yes, in their observation and analysis, the researchers realized that the distinction in means of photograph favorableness for candidates of same political party and opposite party as political atmosphere of each newspaper was significant statistically. 9. If a sample is used, what type of sample is it?

Does the type of sample seriously affect the conclusions that can be drawn from the research? Do the researchers discuss this?There was no sample used therefore the researchers did not discuss about it. 10. What type of research design is used? Does the research design adequately test the hypothesized relationships?Type of research design is experimental survey research design where the researchers conducted survey from different media sources in order to answer the research questions. In addition, the researchers measured the idea of political atmosphere over time . 11. Are the statistics that are used appropriate for the level of measurement of the variables?

I think the statistics used in the measurement of variables are sufficient and appropriate since data was collected from different media sources such as newspapers, newsmagazines, internet and television which revealed similar findings how media coverage influence perceptions of political figures. 12. Are the research findings presented and discussed clearly? Is the basis for deciding whether a hypothesis is supported or refuted clearly specified? The findings are well discussed in the reported but the researchers failed to show how they tested their hypothesis during the research.

Work CitedPollock, Philip. The essentials of political analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print.