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Definition of Logic of Inference and Why King, Keohane, Verba, and Keohane Spend
Time Discussing this Logic
The logic of inference is based on developing research designs to describe a social or
political issue. Researchers rely on research designs to gather facts using qualitative or
quantitative data collection techniques. The quantitative analysis evaluates data numerically.
Researchers use quantitative analysis to prove or disprove their hypothesis on large data sets.
In contrast, qualitative analysis collects data through observations and interviews.
Researchers use quantitative analysis to obtain data that represent small data sets (King et al.,
1994).
Furthermore, King, Keohane, Verba, and Keohane spend time discussing this logic for
multiple reasons. For one, researchers use research designs to expand their knowledge about
a particular subject of interest. Secondly, the logic of inference provides answers to research
questions. Research questions assist social scientists in developing their research methods and
methodologies. The research question also reveals potential challenges social scientists may
face. In addition, the logic of inference can establish open-end questions that can lead to other
research opportunities (King et al., 1994). Finally, in support of the Biblical, God is present to
provide guidance when Christians develop alternatives to solve social problems. Therefore,
Christians should have faith in God to provide wisdom (Proverbs 16:9, NSV).
Major Components of Research Design
There are four components of research design. The first component is the research
question. The research question serves as a blueprint to help prove or disprove social
scientists’ hypotheses. However, the research question does not represent a formalized
process of conducting research. Instead, the research question allows social scientists to
become creative at choosing whether their data analysis will represent qualitative or
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quantitative instrumentations. In addition, the criteria for developing an important research
question is that it should attempt to address political and economic issues that affect people’s
lives. Also, the second component to research design is improving the theory. Social
scientists develop theories in an attempt to answer their research questions. Researchers also
develop theories to inform readers that they are knowledgeable in their areas of interest. In
addition, knowing their areas of interest builds credibility with the public. Lastly, theory
development should be specific enough to allow other social scientists to forecast and draw
similar conclusions (King et al., 1994).
The third component of research design is improving data quality. Social scientist
collects data through the instrumentation of qualitative or quantitative research. Improving
data quality allows social scientists to prove or disprove their hypotheses thoroughly.
Improving data quality may also lead other social scientists to establish open-ended questions
for new research. The social scientist can improve data quality in multiple ways. For one,
data quality is improved by having a well-defined record and report process. A well-defined
record and report process allows other social scientists to understand the methodology of
collecting data. Secondly, data quality is improved by collecting data repeatedly. Social
scientists collect data repeatedly to ensure that information is accurate. Thirdly, data quality is
improved when social scientists validate the sustainability of information. In some instances,
outliers may negatively influence data collection. Therefore, abnormal data must be omitted
to ensure accurate information is recorded. The fourth component of research design is
improving the use of existing data. The social scientist can improve existing data by reporting
information that is not biased. Reporting biased information leads to wrong decisions.
Therefore, the federal, state and local governments risk losing resources and revenues (King
et al., 1994). In support of the Biblical viewpoint, God instructs people not to spread lies and
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falsehood. Therefore, God's expects Christians to speak the truth and provide knowledge to
others (Ephesians 4:25, ESV).
The "Leading Role" in Determining Which Research Design is Appropriate for Your
Project
The research question plays the leading role in determining which research design is
appropriate for my project. For example, my proposed research question is whether the
comprehensive rational planning theory influences urban development. The research question
encourages social scientists to gather information. Gathering information allows researchers
to expand their knowledge about a particular subject of interest. Also, when social scientists
gather information, it influences them to discover open-ended questions to conduct new
research. Therefore, researchers can provide contributions to address social science issues.
The research question also leads to the development of theories. Theory development
explains how public administrators undergo decision-making to develop alternatives to
address unresolved issues. Lastly, the research question dictates whether quantitative or
qualitative instrumentations will be used. The research question allows researchers to
determine the best method to collect data. For example, quantitative research allows social
scientists to develop surveys to reach large population groups. In contrast, qualitative
research allows social scientists to conduct interviews and make observations on individuals
(King et al., 1994).
Research Design Decisions that Determines the Potential Impact of Research Projects
Research design decisions determine the potential impact of research projects in two
ways. For one, a social scientist who decides to use quantitative instrumentations must center
their research project on obtaining statistical values from surveys. Quantitative
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instrumentation instruct researchers to develop a hypothesis when developing their research
design. The research design that favors quantitative analysis must allow other social scientists
to replicate their data. Research designs that support quantitative instrumentation must collect
data from large population groups. Therefore, it takes a considerable amount of time to
collect information. In contrast, a social scientist who decides to use qualitative
instrumentations must center their research designs on obtaining data from observing and
interviewing people. Qualitative instrumentations also instruct researchers to analyze
historical information. Lastly, research designs that support qualitative instrumentation must
collect data from individuals or small groups (King et al., 1994). In support of the Biblical
viewpoint, knowledge is obtained by listening to others. Therefore, God instructs Christians
to use their heart and ears to develop an understanding of people's concerns (Proverbs 2:2,
ESV).
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References
Olaniyi Ebenezer O., Adefemi Adekunle, Temitipe Odekuoye, and Adnan Khashman.
2017. “Automatic System for Grading Banana Using GLCM texture Feature Extraction and
Neural Network Arbitrations.” Journal of Food Processing Engineering 40, no. 6 (June 16):
1-10. https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/full/10.1111/jfpe.12575
Riberiro, Diogo D., Marizaura Camoes, Pedro Costa, and Pedro Moura. 2019. “Schools of
Government’s Roles and Challenges for Institutionalization: a Comparative Study in the
Brazilian Federal Public Sector.” Revista do Servico Publico 70, (June 30): 71-106.
https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/2354782674?pq-origsite=summon
William, Riker H. 1988. “The Place of Political Science in Public Choice.” Public Choice
57, no. 3 (June): 1986-1998. https://www.proquest.com/docview/194620140?
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origsite=summon&accountid=12085
