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Poli-206 > Midterm > Flashcards

Midterm Flashcards

1
Q

Structural Functionalism

A

Assumes that the state or society is a complex system comprising many parts (i.e., structures/institutions). Each part performs different functions but works together to ensure stability (metaphor of the human body).

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2
Q

Old Institutionalism

A

describing and comparing formal government institutions
It assumes that decisions and policies result from the preferences of self-motivated individuals rather than institutions

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3
Q

Theory

A

general explanations of empirical phenomena, or explanations about how the world operates

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4
Q

Triangulation Method

A

To examine the same evidence through many alternative theoretical lenses. Or to conduct field research with alternative theories in mind so that you are open to unexpected findings

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5
Q

Limitations of Theory

A

Researchers find it easier to find evidence that backs their theories than to find evidence that refutes them

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6
Q

Normative institutionalism

A

Institutions are made up of norms that influence individual behavior
Institutions stipulate what is right and wrong

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7
Q

Rational Choice Institutionalism

A

Institutions shape individual interests and preferences
Institutions are structures of incentives and disincentives that shape individual behavior assumes that individuals act in ways that maximize their own self-interests based on incentives or disincentives offered by institutions
In short, individuals behave according to a logic of consequence in the context of institutions

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8
Q

Network Theory

A

It argues that in all policy domains there are groups that aim at shaping that policy and have formal relationships with one another and with policymaking institutions

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9
Q

Consociationalism

A

An institutional approach to managing potential conflict in polities with multiple groups, one which involves ensuring that each group has political representation

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10
Q

Comparative Political Economy

A

study of the interaction of states and markets in the domestic politics of states, mapping and explaining the cross national variation in various economic policy outcomes

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11
Q

Idea Based Theory

A

Political culture: Values and beliefs of a society influence political decisions, actions, and outcomes.
Examples of values include hierarchy, equality, freedoms, trust, etc.
Beliefs: E.g., religious beliefs
Political ideologies: Ideologies such as socialism and neoliberalism shape policies

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12
Q

Psychological Approach

A

The personality of political leader accounts for their behaviors and policy choices

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13
Q

sociological approach

A

Political leaders’ social background influences their decisions and actions

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14
Q

Positivism

A

Believe in objectivity: Facts and values are different, and facts can be observed and verified in the same way by neutral researchers
That is, there is a real social world that social scientists can objectively study like natural scientists study the physical world
The aim of social science is to make law-like explanations/causal statements and predictions about social phenomena

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15
Q

Constructivism

A

Believes in subjectivity: Facts and values are inseparable, and are subject to interpretation
Facts are socially constructed
Thus, researchers cannot detach themselves from the phenomena they are studying (not objective observers)
Social sciences cannot make law-like explanations because contexts differ

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16
Q

political system

A

Political system is a system of interactions in a society through which authoritative decisions are made

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17
Q

Rational Choice Theory

A

A popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians. It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, carefully weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives.

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18
Q

new institutionalism

A

Individuals act within constraints imposed by institutions
Define institutions broadly as formal and informal rules
Expand the range of institutions to include parties, elections, norms, etc.

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19
Q

Corporatism

A

refers to an institutional arrangement whereby a close connection existed between social interests and the government It argued that public policies are the products of legitimate interactions between social interests and the government The government gives social interests the right to take part in decision-making
In return, social interests have a duty to accept collective agreements
This arrangement reduced conflicts between labor, employers, and governments

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20
Q

Link

A

Theories guide hypotheses formulation: hypotheses may be derived from theories
Testing hypotheses may either offer support for theories or oppose them

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21
Q

Independent Variable

A

Cause (X)

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22
Q

Dependent Variable

A

Effect (Y)

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23
Q

Operationalization

A

refers to the process of making a concept empirically observable/measurable.

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24
Q

Case Studies

A

. Researchers can compare cases at the micro-level (small-scale/individual), meso-level (intermediate-scale) or macro-level (large-scale)

25
Q

Internal Validity

A

The extent to which a study’s conclusions are correct, coherent and robust for its case(s)

26
Q

external validity

A

The extent to which a study’s findings can be generalized beyond the cases included in the study

27
Q

Qualatative Analysis

A
  • It relies on unquantifiable data and involves intensive (‘thick’) description of contexts
  • Uses words and images from documents, interviews, archives, field notes, etc.
  • Appropriate for small-N studies
  • Qualitative researchers tend to be constructivists and interpretivists
28
Q

Quantative Analysis

A
  • It is a statistical analysis of the strength, direction, and significance of a relationship between 2 or more variables*
  • Uses data expressed as numbers
  • Suited for large-N studies
  • Quantitative researchers tend to be positivists
29
Q

Logic of comparison

A
  • To examine commonalities and differences (variation) between cases in order to make causal claims
30
Q

most similar systems design

A
  • premised on the logic that two or more cases (e.g., countries) that have commonalities in multiple dimensions would be anticipated to have similar outcomes
  • Focuses on identifying and explaining the source of variation in the outcomes (DVs) of similar cases, and not their commonalities
  • Variation in probable cause (IV) helps to explain differences in the outcomes of similar cases
    n order to detect those relationships between X & Y that remain similar, notwithstanding the differences in other features of the cases compared.
31
Q

most different systems design

A
  • Emphasizes identifying and explaining the cause (IV) of similarity in the outcomes (DVs) of different cases, and not their differences
  • Similarity in the likely cause helps to explain the similarity in the outcomes of different cases

the basic idea is that comparing cases is used to interpret commonalities and differences between cases and variablles. Determins wether or not there’s a casual relationship between X & Y.

32
Q

Conceptual stretching

A
  • Refers to the distortion that occurs when a concept originally formed for specific cases is applied to other cases that the concept do not fit in the same way
33
Q

Equivalance

A
  • This is about whether the meaning of a concept is the same in different contexts (across space and time). The meaning of a concept may differ from context to context. This is related to conceptual stretching
34
Q

5 Concepts of Comparative Politics

A

Controlling, Understanding, Description, Explanation, Prediction

35
Q

with-in case comparison

A

an in-depth comparative analysis of a single case over time (before, during, after)

36
Q

Pointe of Departure

A

conducting research by comparing empirical evidence across systems. A theory posits the dependent variable in analysis-what is to be explained. Which independent variables or explanatory factors, can account for the variation of the dependent variable across different systems or features of a political system. This relies heavily on the development of a correct research design. “Triad = RQ-RD-RA”

37
Q

Typologies

A

Are often used as a first step in examining the theoretical association between two variables without explicitly arguing a casual relationship. What is to be classified?

38
Q

Casuality

A

That is the variation in the dependent variable, is evidentiality and systematically related to the variation in one of the independent variables and a theory as to why this is the case, then we can assume casualty. Cause & Affect

39
Q

Cases

A

denote the units of observation to be compared,

40
Q

process tracing

A

Qualitative method used to evaluate complex casual processes by means of historical narratives and/or within-case analysis.

41
Q

path dependence

A

Meaning certain political choices made in the past can explain certain policy outcomes at present.

42
Q

5 Options for a case

A

Case Study (At one time point)
Time series (One case over time)
Closed Universe (relevant cases in relevant periods)
Pooled Analysis (Maximizing cases across time and space)
Cross-Section (All cases at one time point)

43
Q

Single case study

A

: May be part of the comparative RD, but it stands alone it is at best implicitly comparative and its external validity is low or absent. (Used to generate a pilot for hypothesis or confirming or invalidating extant theories.

44
Q

Deviant Case

A

A Case to be appearing as exceptions to the rules

45
Q

Time Series

A

longitudinal analysis can be useful in two ways; comparing a specific configuration within a few cases in order to inspect comparative change. Second time series can be useful to analyze which factors are relevant over time as causes.

46
Q

Closed Universe

A

The third option in figure cases for comparison at different points of time, taking into account change by defining periodic intervals based on external events, for instance after a discrete event such as a war or an economic crisis. A good example is the development during the inter-war period. A fewer cases research design is often called a “focused comparison”.

47
Q

Pooled Analysis

A

The final option is disputed among comparativists. Although the number of cases can be maximized by pooling cases across time and systems. (Twenty rows and twenty columns taken together implies that the N of cases is 400 instead of 20)

48
Q

Experimental Variance

A

This points to the observed differences or changes in the dependent variable (Y) of the research question, which is supposed to be a function of the independent variable (X).

49
Q

Error Variance

A

This is the occurrence of random effects of unmeasured variables. These effects are almost impossible to avoid in the social sciences ,given its quasi-experimental nature, which always implies a reduction of real life circumstances. Even in a single-case study or comparing a few cases, a thick descriptive analysis cannot provide full information. However, error variance should be minimized as much as is feasible. One way to minimize error variance would be to increase the number of cases.

50
Q

Qualitative Comparative Analysis

A

This type allows for the handling of many variables in combination with relatively high number of cases simultaneously.

51
Q

5 Minimum Guarantees for Democracies

A

Freedom of Organization
Freedom of Expression
Right to Vote
Eligibility for Public Office
The right of leaders to compete for support
Alternative sources of information
Free and fair elections
And institutions that make policies dependent on voters preferences

52
Q

4 things related to Democracy

A

Free & Fair Elections
Universal participation
Civil Liberties
Political Accountability

53
Q

Correlation

A

measure observed with association to an affect

54
Q

Causation

A

cause/event results in an observable effect

55
Q

Rule Consolidation

A

§Powerful European rulers expanded their territories by vanquishing other political centers in war, and then establishing control over the losers’ territories
§ This means states were created through war and conquest

56
Q

Rule Rationalization

A

relates to how state power was exercised
Rulers built bureaucracies and appointed bureaucrats on merit to carry out policies in an impartial, uniform, and effective manner and in the collective interest of the state

57
Q

Station Expansion

A

§Intervenes in the economy through regulations or extraction of resources from private businesses and individuals
§Redistributes the revenues it has generated
§Creates new specialized bureaucratic units and funds their activities through taxes
§Performs social tasks previously carried out by society

58
Q

Bellcist theory

A

States were made from war

Poli-206 (1 decks)

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