GVT 120 Question and Hypothesis Worksheet
Adapted from Mycoff, Jason D. 2011. Working with Political Science Research Methods:
Problems and Exercises, 3rd Edition. 3rd ed. CQ Press College.
The following is a list of research questions. Respond to each of the items listed. a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. Identify the independent and dependent variables. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 1. Is the US public more willing to support the use of the US military forces when the US interests are affected than when they are not? a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 2. Are people around the world concerned about global climate change? a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 3. How important was the political experience of presidential candidates to voters in the 2008 presidential primaries? a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 1
GVT 120 Question and Hypothesis Worksheet
Adapted from Mycoff, Jason D. 2011. Working with Political Science Research Methods:
Problems and Exercises, 3rd Edition. 3rd ed. CQ Press College.
4. Is the number of bulls passed by the state legislature related to whether both chambers of the legislature are controlled by the same party? a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 5. Do states with public funding for candidates have more competitive elections than states without public funding? a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 6. Does a country’s turnout rate in elections have an impact on how much a country’s welfare policies change in response to change to the market-­‐based inequalities? a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 2
GVT 120 Question and Hypothesis Worksheet
Adapted from Mycoff, Jason D. 2011. Working with Political Science Research Methods:
Problems and Exercises, 3rd Edition. 3rd ed. CQ Press College.
State how each of the following hypotheses could be improved; then rewrite the hypothesis. 7. There is a correlation between President Barak Obama’s job approval ratings and public support for the war in Afghanistan. a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 8. Higher murder rates are associated with higher school-­‐dropout rates. a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 9. The turnout rate in my legislative district was low because the incumbent ran unopposed. a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 3
GVT 120 Question and Hypothesis Worksheet
Adapted from Mycoff, Jason D. 2011. Working with Political Science Research Methods:
Problems and Exercises, 3rd Edition. 3rd ed. CQ Press College.
10. Cities with high rates of public transit ridership are better than cities in which ridership is low. a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 11. The more miles of coastline that a country has, the less likely it is to have a federal system of government. a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 12. People who are active in politics tend to contribute money to election campaigns more than people who are not active in politics. a. Does the research question seek to investigate a relationship between concepts? b. If not, modify and rewrite the question as needed so it proposes such a relationship. c. Write a hypothesis that is consistent with the research question. d. Identify the independent and dependent variables. e. Identify the unit of analysis indicated or implied by the research question and the hypothesis. 4