Analytical Techniques of Political Science

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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)

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Definition

• Maintain definitional clarity for concepts such as:1. Power2. Freedom3. Democracy4. Liberalism5. Conservatism6. Globalization7. Conflict

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Explanation

• Comparative politics seeks understanding through close observation and broad generalization.

Concepts:1. Variables2. Correlations3. Laws4. Theories5. Hypotheses6. Models7. Paradigms

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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

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Education LevelYears 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

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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 Policy4. 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

DecisionMaking

Input Output

Environment

feedback

Hypothesis

• An assumption which needs to be tested

• Example: Globalization has many negative side effects which often leads to conflict.

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Models

• A simplified representation of reality in descriptive form

• Example: A model of Democracy:1. Rule of Law2. Competitive and fair elections 3. Civil liberties maintained4. Neutral judiciary

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Paradigms

• A prime example of a phenomenon or pattern

Example: The United States system of government is a paradigm of representative democracy

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