Analytical Techniques of Political Science Clip art

Comparative Method Empirical Analysis- evaluations based on facts and statistics Normative- evaluations which require value judgments (evaluations we make based on values, standards, or ideals) Clip art

Definition Maintain definitional clarity for concepts such as: 1.Power 2.Freedom 3.Democracy 4.Liberalism 5.Conservatism 6.Globalization 7.Conflict Clip art

Explanation Comparative politics seeks understanding through close observation and broad generalization. Concepts: 1.Variables 2.Correlations 3.Laws 4.Theories 5.Hypotheses 6.Models 7.Paradigms Clip art

Variables Dependent- the variable we are most interested in examining Independent-the factor which causes the dependent variable The intent is to find a correlation between the dependent and independent variable Example: Individuals with higher education levels vote more frequently than those with no formal education

Correlations 1.An association 2.A relationship in which two or more variables change together Positively correlated- variables increase and decrease together Inversely Correlated- variables vary in opposite directions (Shown on a graph) Turnout Education Level Years of completed College/trade school

Laws A regularly occurring correlation between two or more variables Example: Law of Demand: All else being equal, more items will be sold at a lower price than at a higher price Clip art

Theories A generalization that seeks to explain and predict relationships among variables Normative political theory- value centered political thought. (value judgments) What is the best form of government? What ought to be the main goals of political action: freedom? Order? Equality? Justice?

The Systems Theory Model Five Concepts: 1.Inputs: The ways average citizens and the groups they form affect political life-support/demand (political parties, interest groups) 2.Decision Making: The structure of institutions and the values, skills and personalities of their leaders 3.Outputs: Public Policy 4.Feedback: The process through which people find out about public policy and the ways in which their reactions to it shape the next phase of political life 5.Environment: Everything lying outside the political system

The Systems Theory Model Decision Making Input Output Environment feedback

Hypothesis An assumption which needs to be tested Example: Globalization has many negative side effects which often leads to conflict. Wikipedia

Models A simplified representation of reality in descriptive form Example: A model of Democracy: 1.Rule of Law 2.Competitive and fair elections 3.Civil liberties maintained 4.Neutral judiciary Clip art

Paradigms A prime example of a phenomenon or pattern Example: The United States system of government is a paradigm of representative democracy Clip art