, 3703 Final Exam – Political Science Research
Methods – UNISA – Complete Study Notes
with Definitions and Key Concepts
(2025/2026)
concept
an idea or mental construction that represents phenomena in the real world
conceptual question
a question expressed using ideas, is frequently unclear and thus is difficult to answer empirically
concrete question
a question expressed using tangible properties, can be answered empirically
conceptual definition
clearly describes the concept's measurable properties and specifies the units of analysis to which the
concept applies
operational definition
describes the instrument to be used in measuring the concept and putting a conceptual definition "into
operation"
conceptual dimension
is defined by a set of concrete traits of similar type
multidimensional concept
has two or more distinct groups of empirical characteristics
example of multidimensional concept
the concept of economic liberalism is defined as the extent to which individuals exhibit the characteristic
of supporting government spending for social programs
first thing conceptual definition must communicate
the variation within a measurable charcateristic or set of characteristics
second thing conceptual definition must communicate
the subjects or groups to which the concept applies
third thing a conceptual definition must communicate
Methods – UNISA – Complete Study Notes
with Definitions and Key Concepts
(2025/2026)
concept
an idea or mental construction that represents phenomena in the real world
conceptual question
a question expressed using ideas, is frequently unclear and thus is difficult to answer empirically
concrete question
a question expressed using tangible properties, can be answered empirically
conceptual definition
clearly describes the concept's measurable properties and specifies the units of analysis to which the
concept applies
operational definition
describes the instrument to be used in measuring the concept and putting a conceptual definition "into
operation"
conceptual dimension
is defined by a set of concrete traits of similar type
multidimensional concept
has two or more distinct groups of empirical characteristics
example of multidimensional concept
the concept of economic liberalism is defined as the extent to which individuals exhibit the characteristic
of supporting government spending for social programs
first thing conceptual definition must communicate
the variation within a measurable charcateristic or set of characteristics
second thing conceptual definition must communicate
the subjects or groups to which the concept applies
third thing a conceptual definition must communicate
