Analytical Techniques of Political Science Clip art Comparative

Analytical Techniques of Political Science Clip art

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) • Clip art

Definition • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Maintain definitional clarity for concepts such as: Power Freedom Democracy Liberalism Conservatism Globalization Conflict Clip art

Explanation • Comparative politics seeks understanding through close observation and broad generalization. Concepts: 1. Variables 2. Correlations 3. Laws 4. Theories 5. Hypotheses 6. Models 7. Paradigms Clip art

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

Correlations 1. An association 2. A relationship in which two or more variables change together • Positively correlatedvariables increase and decrease together • Inversely Correlatedvariables vary in opposite directions • (Shown on a graph) Turnout 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Education Level Years of completed College/trade school

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 • Clip art

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?

The Systems Theory Model Five Concepts: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Inputs: The ways average citizens and the groups they form affect political life-support/demand (political parties, interest groups) Decision Making: The structure of institutions and the values, skills and personalities of their leaders Outputs: Public Policy 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 Environment: Everything lying outside the political system

The Systems Theory Model Decision Making Input feedback Output Environment

Hypothesis • An assumption which needs to be tested • Example: Globalization has many negative side effects which often leads to conflict. • Wikipedia

Models • A simplified representation of reality in descriptive form • Example: A model of Democracy: 1. Rule of Law 2. Competitive and fair elections 3. Civil liberties maintained 4. Neutral judiciary Clip art

Paradigms • A prime example of a phenomenon or pattern Example: The United States system of government is a paradigm of representative democracy • Clip art