Chapter 2

Question 1

3 jobs of theories

Answer 1

1. identify key variables
2. tell causal stories
3. explain variation

Question 2

spatial variation

Answer 2

• multiple units measures @ one time
• cross sectional (CS)
  EX. # of giving campaigns of each nonprofit in Broome county

Question 3

temporal variation

Answer 3

• repeated measurement of one unit @ different moments in time
• time series (TS)
  EX. Broome county covid cases everyday from May 7th - May 15th

Question 4

time series cross-sectional (TSCS)

Answer 4

EX. BU mean GPAs across majors and semesters

Question 5

hypothesis

Answer 5

predictions of what will happen if theory is correct

Question 6

modifable variables

Answer 6

causes of outcome we influence

Question 7

non-modifiable variables

Answer 7

cannot be changes by policy/practice
EX. policymaking done through democratic process in US

Question 8

grand social theories

Answer 8

a.k.a. theoretical paradigms
- shape researchers view of variables and mechanisms
EX. rational choice theory - select decisions that max. benefits/utility

Question 9

exploratory and qualitative research

Answer 9

linking threads of empirical evidence form exploratory studies in field

Question 10

positive theory

Answer 10

how things are

Question 11

normative theory

Answer 11

how things should be

Question 12

model

Answer 12

graphical or mathematical representation of two items

Question 13

variables

Answer 13

different values/attributes, can vary

Question 14

relationships

Answer 14

show how change in x produces change in y

Question 15

assumptions

Answer 15

explicit statements of assumptions lead us to think precisely

Question 16

good model does three things

Answer 16

1. connects X+Y via shortest route
2. parsimonious relationship
   3.make new predictions

Question 17

causal mechanisms

Answer 17

process by which change in X is presumed to cause change in Y

Question 18

units of analysis

Answer 18

objects or thins described ny variables in model

Question 19

logic models

Answer 19

graphical model showing how a program produces desired outcomes

Question 20

intervening variables

Answer 20

intervene between independent and dependent variables
- help articulate causal process through which change in X produces change in Y

Question 21

Why use logic models?

Answer 21

• identify unrecognizable variables to track performance indicators
  -helps design program evaluation

Question 22

hierarchical models

Answer 22

describe relationship between variables @ different levels of units of analysis