Theories, Concepts,Hypotheses

Question 1

Importance of Theory:

Answer 1

Essential for understanding and analyzing political phenomena.
Bridges observations and explanations.

Question 2

Diversity of Theories:

Answer 2

Not all theories are equal in scope, focus, and application.
Abstract nature of theoretical discussions.

Question 3

Definition of theory

and roles?

Answer 3

Systematic set of ideas for understanding and analyzing political phenomena.
Different roles: explaining, understanding, evaluating, prescribing.

Question 4

Empirical Theory

Answer 4

General explanatory claims about specific empirical ranges.
Does not apply universally to all types of theory.

Question 5

Political Science Theories

Answer 5

Behavioralism, rational choice, (neo-)institutionalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, normative political theory.

Question 6

Normative vs. Empirical Theories differences:

Answer 6

Normative theories: Ethical and value-driven, evaluate or prescribe.
Empirical theories: Grounded in observation, data, and factual analysis, explain or understand.

Question 7

Behavioralism:

Answer 7

Emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors.
Focus on voting patterns and public opinion.

Question 8

Rational Choice Theory

Answer 8

Assumes individuals engage in politics based on calculated decisions to maximize self-interest.

Question 9

Institutionalism

Answer 9

Highlights the role of formal structures and procedures in shaping political actions.
Can be positivist institutionalists.

Question 10

Constructivism

Answer 10

Emphasizes influence of shared beliefs, norms, and ideas on politics.
Adds agency and complexity to explanations.

Question 11

Marxism

Answer 11

Views politics as a class struggle rooted in economic determinism and power dynamics.
Mix of positivist and interpretivist stances.

Question 12

Feminism

Answer 12

Focuses on gender relations, patriarchal structures, and gender equality within politics.
Includes feminist normative theory and empirical political science.

Question 13

Generating Hypotheses

What theories generate what hypotheses?
What is a hypothesis?

Answer 13

Empirical theories generate causal hypotheses.
Hypothesis: Specific prediction from a theory, tested against evidence.

Question 14

Falsification Process:

Answer 14

Testing a hypothesis means trying to prove it wrong (falsification).
Rejection of many hypotheses may require updating or abandoning the theory.

Question 15

Purpose of Falsifying Theories Importance:

Answer 15

Analogous to searching for a black swan to challenge assumptions.
Avoids assuming universal truths without rigorous testing.

Question 16

Concept in Political Science:
Definition:

Answer 16

Abstract categories or representations used to compare political phenomena.
Articulation of concepts is conceptualization.

Question 17

Good Concepts:
Criteria:

Answer 17

Clarity and coherence, logically consistent. usefulness

Question 18

Role of Literature:

Answer 18

Conceptualization often involves reading existing literature.
Adoption of established definitions roots concepts in academic debates.

Question 19

Conceptualization to Operationalization Process:

Answer 19

Once clear, coherent, and useful concepts are chosen, the next step is operationalization.
Operationalization makes concepts measurable, crucial for empirical theories.

Question 20

Conceptualizing Populism Definition Good vs Bad

Answer 20

Good: Charismatic leader, appeals to masses, contrasts with a corrupt elite.
Bad: Exploitative leader, manipulates emotions of ordinary people.