Lesson Report:
### Class Summary Report
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#### **Title**
**Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Globalization: Framing Problems in Political Science**
*Synopsis:* This session explored the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, using globalization as a thematic case study. The class revisited key concepts from globalization and built connections to political science research frameworks. Students worked collaboratively to identify puzzles, problems, research questions, and hypotheses from assigned scholarly articles, applying these tools to investigate globalization’s socio-political impacts.
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#### **Attendance**
– **Absent Students:** 5 (Aslan, Inayat Khan, Birkeh, Aliyah, and Eldar)
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#### **Topics Covered**
1. **Class Introduction and Administrative Updates**
– Reviewed the final exam details:
– *Date:* Tuesday, December 17.
– Format: Single essay question, no notes allowed.
– Objective: Emphasis on connecting concepts to outcomes (e.g., nationalism and unity).
– Feedback on essay grades: Most grades will be returned by Saturday; common weaknesses include insufficient analysis of concept-example relationships.
2. **Review of Globalization**
– Recap from previous class: Globalization as a complex process with both advantages and disadvantages depending on the country context.
– Framed a key *puzzle* within globalization: “Why do some countries benefit more from globalization than others?”
3. **Key Concepts in Political Science Research Framework**
– **Puzzle and Problem:**
– Puzzle: A phenomenon lacking explanation (e.g., why globalization’s effects differ among nations).
– Problem: Negative implications of a puzzle (e.g., disparities in globalization benefits or unclear definitions).
4. **Reading Analysis: Kumar’s Perspective on Globalization**
– Group Activity: Groups analyzed *Kumar’s article* to define its puzzle, problem, research question, and hypothesis.
– Key observations:
– **Puzzle:** Multiple conflicting definitions of globalization exist across disciplines (law, economics, sociology, political science).
– **Problem:** Lack of clarity and consensus inhibits measuring globalization’s effects, understanding disparities, and creating effective policies.
– **Research Question:** “Is there a relationship between the way globalization is defined and the strategies proposed to address its problems?”
– **Hypothesis (developed by class):** “Yes, the way globalization is defined influences the strategies chosen to address its problems, as disciplinary perspectives shape different approaches.”
5. **Reading Analysis: Milner’s Perspective on Globalization**
– Group Activity: Students examined *Milner’s article* to identify its puzzle, problem, research question, and hypothesis.
– Key observations:
– **Puzzle:** Globalization is linked to political shifts, particularly the rise of far-right movements in affected countries.
– **Problem:** Increased inequality and political polarization.
– **Research Question:** “Does increasing globalization lead to the increasing popularity of right-wing political movements?”
– **Hypothesis (developed by class):** “Yes, increasing globalization correlates with the rise in popularity of right-wing political movements.”
6. **Building Blocks of a Hypothesis**
– Reviewed the structure and purpose of a hypothesis:
– Scientific guess that provides an answer to the research question.
– Must be measurable and explicitly stated.
– Example discussed in class:
– Research question: “Why do some countries benefit more from globalization than others?”
– Example hypothesis: “Countries with strong economies, advantageous geographical positions, and democratic political structures are more likely to benefit from globalization.”
7. **Next Steps in Research Framework**
– Brief Introduction to Subquestions: Breaking broader research questions into manageable components (e.g., “Why do people choose different definitions of globalization?” or “What strategies are most often associated with each definition?”).
– Preview of next week’s class project: Students will draft and refine original research questions and hypotheses.
8. **End-of-Class Administrative Notes**
– Homework: One additional reading on globalization (specific reading not mentioned in transcript).
– Upcoming midterm reminder.
– Post-midterm class event: Semester-end party on Thursday, December 19.
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#### **Actionable Items**
1. **Immediate Needs:**
– *Distribute Feedback on Essays:* Ensure all essay feedback is returned by Saturday as promised.
– *Provide Clarity on Final Exam Scope:* Encourage students to consult midterm concepts and provide additional specificity if needed.
2. **Preparation for Upcoming Classes:**
– *Class Project Preparation:* Provide students with clear instructions for next week’s research framework project. Consider sharing examples of strong research questions and hypotheses in advance.
– *Homework Assignment:* Share reading details to ensure students are adequately prepared.
3. **Administrative Follow-Ups:**
– *Attendance Issues:* Follow up with absent students (Aslan, Inayat Khan, Birkeh, Aliyah, and Eldar) to share class notes and expectations regarding missed group work.
– *Midterm Exam Preparation:* Remind students of the essay grading criteria with detailed examples, emphasizing the relationship between concepts and real-world outcomes.
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Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK
No homework was explicitly assigned in this lesson. Although a project and additional reading were mentioned for the next week, the instructor did not provide specific details about the required reading or any immediate tasks for homework in the transcript.