Quiz #1

Question 1

Meaning of theory

Answer 1

explanations of natural or social behavior, event or phenomenon. System of constructs and propositions that present logical and systematic explanation of a phenomenon of interest.

Question 2

A theory is necessary to make sense of facts because

Answer 2

they explain why things happen, rather than just describing/predicting

Question 3

Two main goals of those waging a civil war

Answer 3

control of state and establishing independence/secession

Question 4

Civil War =

Answer 4

1,000+ deaths

Question 5

Civil Conflict =

Answer 5

25-999 deaths

Question 6

Barbara F. Walter says these developments in the U.S. indicate risk of civil war

Answer 6

the country’s transition towards becoming an anocracy

Question 7

Ethnic factillization in the U.S. regarding white Americans and the Republic Party is that

Answer 7

The Republican party is 80% whites

Question 8

Key characteristics of an anocracy

Answer 8

no central authority/government, every state is on their own

Question 9

The major components of deductive system method are

Answer 9

deriving specific predictions from general principles and testing those predictions through experimentation and analysis

Question 10

How hypotheses differ from a theory

Answer 10

there’s an implication of what you expect to see IF the theory is correct (no explanation, how, or why)

Question 11

Theory that can explain the outbreak of the American Civil War

Answer 11

The Ethnic Theory of Civil War (ex. anocracy = elections are flawed. And ethnic factions = parties organize around ethnic identity not policy

Question 12

Primary goal of (MSS) Most Similar System Design

Answer 12

To find out why different countries have similar outcomes

Question 13

How cases and variables help us “control”

Answer 13

cases = “thing” or “phenomenon” we want to understand/explain
variables = concept that varies in a case

Question 14

Why adding more cases to an analysis is beneficial

Answer 14

it makes it easier to find patterns/relationships with the date

Question 15

It is challenging to define “mass shootings” because

Answer 15

there are so many different definitions, and media/publications shape the perception of what constitutes one

Question 16

‘Complex causality’ applies to American mass shootings because

Answer 16

mass shootings are the product of complex causality, involving an intricate interplay of multiple interdependent factors. By addressing this complexity society can develop effective strategies to prevent these tradegies

Question 17

To Hirschfeld’s analysis, these cultural factors in Latin American, contribute to fewer mass shootings compared to the U.S.

Answer 17

collectivism and social independence.
Latin America fosters stronger community ties & empathy, leading to individuals with more social support

Question 18

Why Armenia and Uganda are suitable countries to compare using a Most Different Systems Design (MDS)

Answer 18

good to compare since they are so very different countries

Question 19

Why researchers use the method of control

Answer 19

to ensure accuracy, reliability, and clarity when testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions

Question 20

Why it is necessary to calculate gun deaths per 100,000 when comparing countries

Answer 20

population standardization, countries vary in population size

Question 21

Meaning of ‘dependent variable’ in a research study

Answer 21

the variable we want to explain/predict

Question 23

To security dilemma, a country’s defensive actions increase tension and political conflict because

Answer 23

states cannot establish defensive from defensive

Question 24

The concept of anarchy influence state behavior in the international system because

Answer 24

it significantly shapes state behavior by emphasizing self-help, promoting competition for security and power, and creating a complex mix of cooperation and mistrust in the international system

Question 25

What is the meaning when international relations describes countries as “rationals”

Answer 25

that states are assumed to act in ways that maximize their self interest based on calculated analysis of costs, benefits, and risks.

Question 26

Why Russia might perceive NATO’s expansion as a threat despite its defensive mission

Answer 26

it stems from historical grievances and the strategic imbalance created by NATO’s expansion near its boarders

Question 27

Our simulation of the China-U.S. conflict over Taiwan revealed that international relations

Answer 27

illustrated the complex interplay of alliances, deterrence, economic independence, and technological advancements in modern international relations

Question 28

Regarding the prospect of war between Israel and Iran, why might both states may be acting rationally

Answer 28

Israel - liberal democracy, U.S. ally, never allow Iran to have a nuke
Iran - theocracy & dictatorship, Israel & U.S. are top enemy, Iran wats a nuke so they have some sort of protection

Question 29

To “conceptualize” a concept like terrorism

Answer 29

Turning fuzzy notions into clear, precise definitions

Question 30

To Global Terrorism Database (GTD) this criteria needs to be met to be considered a terrorist attack

Answer 30

Must be: intentional violence, and non-state actor
And at least 2 of: - political, religious, or social goal
- message to broader audience - target is non-combatants (civillians)

Question 31

Weakness or area of disagreement used to define terrorism

Answer 31

where the line is drawn with combatants, targeting politicians. Psychological warfare, what constitutes violence. If a state can engage in terrorist attack. Has to be a large goal, but is that really knowable

Question 32

Multiple people involved in coding whether an incident is considered an act of terrorism

Answer 32

Since it’s hard to get a clear and concise definition of it