Isabel Blogs how Quantitative Research methods facilitates the study of Politics

Mathematics and politics at first appear two direct opposites, and don’t seem to have anything in common bar being really difficult A-Levels. But upon looking into how democracy in the UK functions, maths and particularly data analysis becomes the very centre of our political system. From the perhaps obvious aspect of elections, to deciding which policies to put in a manifesto; maths is an essential part of politics and an area not enough people are invested in.

 I became interested in linking statistics and politics when I learnt a bit more about psephology and voting behaviour, and later found an organisation called Q-step. One of the fancier names for data analysis is quantitative research methods, and Q-step is working with 15 universities across the UK to train young people into being able to work this field after university. This ranges from courses like Politics and Quantitative Research Methods at Bristol University, to internships over summers, like the ones provided at Manchester University and Nottingham University, where you choose a course based in politics, such as Politics and International Relations, and choose at least one module in your second year that relates to data analysis, like elections or public opinion, and then get an internship at a private or government company that specialising in data analysis and politics.

 In an age where many people are beginning to fear their prospective jobs may be taken by machines, it’s useful to find a role you can apply yourself to where this isn’t a risk. Data analysis and politics requires people with good math skills that are also proficient in humanities and understanding people. In the foreseeable future this will continue to be a job that machines won’t be able to overtake humans in. It’s also a very employable area or work as few people are interested in both maths and humanities, or often haven’t heard of the chances to do a role like that.

 Q-step is an outreach above anything else, to try and get more young people interested in a role that’s vital to the UK’s democracy. There are jobs in understanding why people vote in a certain way, advising campaigns on how to reach groups that wouldn’t typically vote for their party, or conducting public opinion polls. Without any maths, how could elections, the very foundation of democracy in Britain, be conducted?

 Getting onto one of these quantitative research methods courses is not overly specific or even difficult. You do not need an A-Level in maths or politics. And Q-step covers more than just politics; Manchester University offers QRM internships with criminology, sociology, psychology, and social anthropology. There are other options at the other 14 universities and colleges involved, so if you take or are considering an A-Level that involves politics, this could be the next step for your higher education.

 Visit the Nuffield Foundation website for more information on where Q-step is offered, how to apply, and what the courses and internships contain.

https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/q-step