PO101 2 Flashcards
Research questions in comparative politics
seeks to construct arguments based on evidence to support cause and effect.Researchers aim to answer and explain questions on political phenomena by comparing them with different countries
Major question in comparative politics
Why are some countries democratic and some aren’t, why are some people wealth and why are not, why do countries have different forms of government
Empirical vs Normative arguments
Empirical aims to explain why the political world operates rather than a normative judgement on how it should operate.
Objectives of comparatives
they aim and try to explain political outcomes such as democracy and authoritarian and identify the causes . They might have string options but still focus on explaining and understanding rather than given an option based answer
The role of concepts
Concepts are abstract ideas used to ask and answer questions about the social and political world they should be clear coherent , logically consists and useful for research
Satori’s ladder of abstraction
concepts vary from specific to general ideas d researches place concepts on the ladder based by search on case
The concept of freedom
The concepts of freedom is discussed as an example of complex and multifaceted concept that has multiple interpretation .
Operationalization
Researches must make concepts measurable to determine their presence and quantity within a case
Answer research questions
aims to answer questions by combing empirical evidence and theory by using evidence and facts too support a hypotheses.
Challenges in Social science
faces causality due to how complex the modern world is and how many factors influence political life
Laws vs theory
Social scientist usually rely on theories rather than universal law the strength of a theory is evaluated based on their ability to provide a powerful explanation.
Scientic interference
they interfere by using quantitive and qualitative research method
Contribution to comparative work
Contributes knowledge though, refining ides , therortical critique and empirical analysis
The roles of theories
Theories are general explanations of empirical phenomena supported by facts and evidence to aim to explain how the world works
Hypotheses testing
when the hypotheses is tested by data and examine specific observations in th case they can be challenged or supported by evidence
Evolution of theories
theories may evolve and change overtime due t new evidence . competing theories can coexist however evidence can be support or contract each theory.
Social science theories casualty
cause and effect is a general pattern rather than an absolute law .
Types of Evidence
uses both quantitive which is details on historic events as well as qualitive which focuses on statics and data for interference between cause and effect
What is Quantative research used for
Used for empirical claims and general associations
What is Qualitative research used for
used for case-specific mechanisms
Why does comparative politics involve
examines cause and effect relationship between variables and cases and correlation measures the association between the variable (link)
Problems with casual arguments
endogeneity, committed variables and spurious correlations
Endogeneity
Involves historical events
Omitted Variables
Involve statistical methods
Spurious Correlations
May result with a coincidence or omitted factors
Empirical critiques
Involves examining deviated theories driving advance in social science which proposes new ides or improvements to existing theories Ghana challenges modernization theory because It highlights the importance of empirical critiques
Gathering and using evidence
It involves careful measurement to avoid bias or error because researches should acknowledge potential bias in their own work .The example of Miguel Angel centeno on nationalism shows the challenges that comes with measurement and an emphasis on validity and measurement
How did max weber define the that
As a monopoly of legitimate use of physical force within a given territory
Modern state
is contrasted with historical systems such as feudalism in Europe as it concentrates power, maintain monopoly on force and provide public service
State capacity
refers to the states abilities to achieve its goals and maintain monopoly of force , functioning bureaucracy and uphold the rule of law
Fragile staus
Is when a states does not have the capacity to perform the sessional function leading to changes in providing public space ,maintaining monopoly.
The states- society relationship
the state is partially autonomous from society but does engage in relationship with other actors including civil society
Strong states and democracy
the relationship is debated wth a strong democratic sates being some autonomous from civil society
Bureaucracy
aims for efficiency , rationality in coordinating actions and managing public squares
Impersonality
Modern states are seen as impersonal entities and not associated by individual leader
Sovereignty
States experts power and control over the defined territory and maintain authority often through international recognition
Traditional functions of a state
defense, policing, taxation, order, administration within state
Political and economic theories
explained by multiple theories related to war and conflict, internal mitigation and interests in specific economy
