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Dealing with Bias in Research According to KKV
Bias in research is an issue of great significance that must be addressed and accounted
for. King, Keohane, and Verba, who are widely considered to be seminal scholars in social
science research, offer a few recommendations for dealing with bias in research. One of their
recommendations is for researchers to avoid bias by utilizing random selections of
observations (King, Keohane, Verba, 1994, 124). This recommendation pertains to research
that contains studies that contain larger numbers of observations (Lijphart, 1971, 686-690).
King, Keohane, and Verba spend a significant amount of time in their book highlighting the
drawbacks of studies with low to single observations being examined like what is commonly
seen in case studies.
Another recommendation King, Keohane, and Verba offer pertaining to dealing with
bias in research is researchers should select observations that allow for the possibility of some
variation in chosen dependent variables (King, Keohane, Verba, 1994, 129). Bias, to some
extent, will exist in research. This is especially the case with social science research that is of
a qualitative nature. To increase the validity and replicability of a study, every attempt should
be made to reduce or mitigate bias in research.
Angrist and Pischke Reference Policy Research Design
In The Credibility Revolution in Empirical Economics: How Better Research Design
is Taking the Con out of Econometrics, Angrist and Pischke highlight the importance of
random assignment in research design and describe the advantages of the referenced practice
(Angrist and Pischke, 2010, 4). Their support of instituting random assignment in research is
in congruence with the aforementioned perspectives provided by King, Keohane, and Verba.
Angrist and Pischke concede that genuine experimental research is not always practical and
justify the use of quasi-experimental research methods (Angrist and Pischke, 2010, 4).
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Angrist and Pischke described how faulty research design can cause the credibility of
one’s entire research to be called into question. Angrist and Pischke provided an example of
previous research that concluded the death penalty was an effective deterrent (Angrist and
Pischke, 2010, 7). Using a normative sense of reality coupled with the fact people have
continued to commit crimes that are punishable by death since the Supreme Court’s reversal
of Furman v. Georgia (408 U.S. 153 [1972]) while knowing this consequence exists further
undermines Ehrlich’s highlighted findings. It may have some level of effect, but it would
appear the effectiveness is not enough to completely stop such violent offenses from
occurring. Angrist and Pischke’s article provides an in-depth perspective on the importance of
utilizing good, solid research designs during research efforts.
Abandoning Ship
Luke 12:48 states, “But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating,
will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be
required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more (Luke
12:48, ESV).” This verse helps to illustrate the dilemma statesmen are tasked with in their
policymaking, decision-making, and rulemaking responsibilities. Statesmen have to regularly
make tough decisions that often affect numerous amounts of people and are not always
popular. Some of the decisions they make may cost them their position or subject them to
criticism whether it is fair or not. The example provided in this week’s video lecture reference
President Thomas Jefferson’s actions of procuring the Louisiana Territory provides an
excellent example.
Jefferson’s acquisition of the Louisiana Territory expanded the role of government
which went against his principles and subjected him to harsh criticism (Munson, 2021). If it
were not for his actions, the US might not look like what it does in modern times. One of the
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biggest takeaways from this is statesmen should try to remain true to their principles but be
willing to compromise for the betterment of the people they serve.
This compromise should be used judiciously. Jefferson’s actions represent a utilitarian
view of what was in the best interest of the people then and in the future. If more of our
statesmen performed their duties with this mantra, then the political gridlock observed over
the last few decades and the polarization in the country might not be to the extent that it has
become.
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References
Angrist, Joshua D., Jörn-Steffen Pischke. 2010. “The Credibility Revolution in Empirical
Economics: How Better Research Design Is Taking the Con out of Econometrics.” The
Journal of Economic Perspectives, 24, no. 2 (Spring): 3–30.
King, Gary, Robert O. Keohane, and Sidney Verba. 1994. Designing Social Inquiry:
Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research. Princeton, NJ. Princeton University Press.
Lijhart, Arend. 1971. “Comparative Politics and the Comparative Method.” The American
Political Science Review 65, no. 3, (September): 682-693.
Munson, Becky. 2021. “Ethics and Statesmanship.” PLCY 805 Presentation 8, Liberty
University, May 24. Video of Lecture.
