Which stage in the political science research cycle involves testing hypotheses with data?

• A. Analysis
• B. Replication and peer review
• C. Question formulation
• D. Data collection

Answer: (A)

Testing hypotheses with data happens during the analysis stage. This is where you apply statistical methods and data-driven models to determine whether the observed patterns in the data support, contradict, or remain inconclusive regarding your hypotheses. Analysis translates raw data into inferences, using techniques like estimating relationships, assessing significance, and checking robustness of findings. The other stages set things up or verify results: formulating questions or hypotheses happens before data are gathered, data collection is about gathering the information, and replication and peer review focus on validation and reliability rather than the core testing of hypotheses with the data at hand. So, the analysis stage is where the data are used to test the hypotheses.