1. Introduction

Question 1

What are the two ideal-type research designs according to J. Mill?

Answer 1

Mill, J. S. (1843). writes
1. Method of similarity: similarity between different systems (Most Different Systems Design/MDSD)
2. Method of difference: difference between similar systems (Most Similar Systems Design/MSSD)

Question 2

What are the key components of ‘high standards in comparative politics?

Answer 2

1. Internal validity (trustworthiness)
2. External valaidity (generalisability)
3. Reliability (consistency)

Question 3

What analogy does Sartori uses to show the problems of concept construction?

Answer 3

In 1991, Sartori uses the term ‘the cat-dog problem’. It is the use of concepts that confuse different phenomena or objects of analysis.
The analogy shows how one result in
1) Parochialism - focusingon small sections rather than considering the issues wider context.
2) Missclassification - creating classes based on a single criterion. Better/more criterion leads to more precise classes.
3) Degreeism - everything being held on a coninuum, rather than considered a dichtomy.
e.g. cats and dogs are two separate things, can’t be to some extent cats or dogs
4) Concept stretching - if the concept is overused, it can loose its meaning

Question 4

What is the difference between classic and radial concepts?

Answer 4

Classic concepts: It operates with a reduced set of central categories. To generate a subtype, you add attributes to the central category. Using Sartori’s ladder of abstraction (Sartori, 1970), they are the high extension/minimal intesity concepts.
E.g.: If the central category is defined by the attributes A and B, all the secondary categories will include A,B and the attributes special to that secondary category, like C, or D.

Radial concepts (Wittgenstein 1953):
It operates with several attributes simultaneously, thus a broad set of primary (central) categories. To generate subtypes, attributes need to be subtracted.
E.g.: The central categories are characterised by the attributes A, B, C, D. The subtypes are going to be chracterized by the lack of a certain attribute, like A,B,C; A,B,D; A,C; etc.

Concisely, the main difference is whether we build the secondary categories on the central concept’s foundation, or we are making secondary categories by highlighting how it falls short on achieving the central concept.

Question 5

Can you explain how to use the ladder of abstraction? (Sartori, 1970)

Answer 5

Y axis = extension. It refers to the class of things to which the concept applies. In other words, the cases the concept can be applied.
X axis = intension. It refers to the collection of properties that describe the thing the concept applies to. In other words, how many properties we connect to the concept.

A linear, decreasing line shows the dynamics between the axis.

If there is high extension, the intensity will be low. In other words, the less attributes we have, the more generalizabe will the central concept be. Creating subtypes depend on wether we create a classical/minimal concept or a radial concept.