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Analytical Techniques of Political Science
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Comparative Method
• Empirical Analysis- evaluations based on facts and statistics
• Normative- evaluations which require value judgments (evaluations we make based on values, standards, or ideals)
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Definition
• Maintain definitional clarity for concepts such as:1. Power2. Freedom3. Democracy4. Liberalism5. Conservatism6. Globalization7. Conflict
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Explanation
• Comparative politics seeks understanding through close observation and broad generalization.
Concepts:1. Variables2. Correlations3. Laws4. Theories5. Hypotheses6. Models7. Paradigms
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Variables
• Dependent- the variable we are most interested in examining
• Independent-the factor which causes the dependent variable
• The intent is to find a correlation between the dependent and independent variable
• Example: Individuals with higher education levels vote more frequently than those with no formal education
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Correlations
1. An association
2. A relationship in which two or more variables change together
• Positively correlated- variables increase and decrease together
• Inversely Correlated- variables vary in opposite directions
• (Shown on a graph)
Turnout
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Education LevelYears of completed College/trade school
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Laws
• A regularly occurring correlation between two or more variables
• Example: Law of Demand: All else being equal, more items will be sold at a lower price than at a higher price
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Theories
• A generalization that seeks to explain and predict relationships among variables
• Normative political theory- value centered political thought. (value judgments) What is the best form of government? What ought to be the main goals of political action: freedom? Order? Equality? Justice?
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The Systems Theory Model
Five Concepts:1. Inputs: The ways average citizens and the groups
they form affect political life-support/demand (political parties, interest groups)
2. Decision Making: The structure of institutions and the values, skills and personalities of their leaders
3. Outputs: Public Policy4. Feedback: The process through which people find out
about public policy and the ways in which their reactions to it shape the next phase of political life
5. Environment: Everything lying outside the political system
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The Systems Theory Model
DecisionMaking
Input Output
Environment
feedback
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Hypothesis
• An assumption which needs to be tested
• Example: Globalization has many negative side effects which often leads to conflict.
• Wikipedia
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Models
• A simplified representation of reality in descriptive form
• Example: A model of Democracy:1. Rule of Law2. Competitive and fair elections 3. Civil liberties maintained4. Neutral judiciary
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Paradigms
• A prime example of a phenomenon or pattern
Example: The United States system of government is a paradigm of representative democracy
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