pols 373 foundations of comparative politics topic: introduction to comparative politics and...

POLS 373 Foundations POLS 373 Foundations of Comparative of Comparative

PoliticsPolitics

POLS 373 Foundations POLS 373 Foundations of Comparative of Comparative

PoliticsPoliticsTopic: Introduction to Topic: Introduction to

Comparative Politics and Comparative Politics and Comparative AnalysisComparative Analysis

Lecture Date: April 3 and 5, 2007Lecture Date: April 3 and 5, 2007Professor Timothy LimProfessor Timothy Lim

California State University, Los AngelesCalifornia State University, Los Angeles

Topic: Introduction to Topic: Introduction to Comparative Politics and Comparative Politics and

Comparative AnalysisComparative Analysis

Lecture Date: April 3 and 5, 2007Lecture Date: April 3 and 5, 2007Professor Timothy LimProfessor Timothy Lim

California State University, Los AngelesCalifornia State University, Los Angeles

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Studying Comparative Politics

An Introduction


An IntroductionBowling for Columbine and Comparative Politics

Bowling for Columbine helps illustrate thepoint that comparative politics, as a field ofstudy, has relevance in unexpected places

Comparative politics provides us with a ready array of conceptual and analytical tools that we can use to address and answer a wide range of questions--from the mundane tothe sublime--about the world

Bowling for Columbine and Comparative Politics

Bowling for Columbine helps illustrate thepoint that comparative politics, as a field ofstudy, has relevance in unexpected places

Comparative politics provides us with a ready array of conceptual and analytical tools that we can use to address and answer a wide range of questions--from the mundane tothe sublime--about the world

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An Introduction


An IntroductionComparative Politics is More Than Method

The comparative method is an integral part of comparative politics, but comparative politics is not merely a method of study, it is also a subject of study

As a subject of study, comparative politics may be said to focus on the many different societies, types of institutions, political systems, and countries that make up the world

Traditionally, the United States was excluded, but, in principle, no good reason for doing so

Comparative Politics is More Than Method

The comparative method is an integral part of comparative politics, but comparative politics is not merely a method of study, it is also a subject of study

As a subject of study, comparative politics may be said to focus on the many different societies, types of institutions, political systems, and countries that make up the world

Traditionally, the United States was excluded, but, in principle, no good reason for doing so

??

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An Introduction


An IntroductionComparative Politics is More Than Method

Saying that comparative politics is both a subject of study and a method of study, however, is still not enough: comparative politics is more than just studying different countries comparatively

As a field of study, comparative politics also focuses on the politics of a given country, state or society, which raises one more question …

Comparative Politics is More Than Method

Saying that comparative politics is both a subject of study and a method of study, however, is still not enough: comparative politics is more than just studying different countries comparatively

As a field of study, comparative politics also focuses on the politics of a given country, state or society, which raises one more question …

What is politics?What is politics?What is politics?What is politics?DiscussDiscussDiscussDiscuss

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An Introduction


An IntroductionWhat is Politics?

Here’s a traditional or formal definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary …

(1) Politics is the art or science of government; (2) it is the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy; or (3) it is the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government

What is Politics?

Here’s a traditional or formal definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary …

(1) Politics is the art or science of government; (2) it is the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy; or (3) it is the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government

In this (three-fold) definition, where is In this (three-fold) definition, where is politics “located”; that is, where does it politics “located”; that is, where does it occur? Who are the political “actors”? What occur? Who are the political “actors”? What

is the “objective” of politics?is the “objective” of politics?

In this (three-fold) definition, where is In this (three-fold) definition, where is politics “located”; that is, where does it politics “located”; that is, where does it occur? Who are the political “actors”? What occur? Who are the political “actors”? What

is the “objective” of politics?is the “objective” of politics?

http://webster.com/dictionary/politics

http://webster.com/dictionary/politics

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An Introduction


An IntroductionWhat is Politics?

An alternative, process-oriented, definition of politics …

“Politics is about more than what governments chose to do or not do; it is about the uneven distribution of power in society, how the struggle over power is conducted, and its impact on the creation and distribution of resources, life chances and well-being”

What is Politics?

An alternative, process-oriented, definition of politics …

“Politics is about more than what governments chose to do or not do; it is about the uneven distribution of power in society, how the struggle over power is conducted, and its impact on the creation and distribution of resources, life chances and well-being” ~ Adrian Leftwich~ Adrian Leftwich

How does this definition differ from the How does this definition differ from the traditional definition? Is the difference traditional definition? Is the difference

significant? How so?significant? How so?

How does this definition differ from the How does this definition differ from the traditional definition? Is the difference traditional definition? Is the difference

significant? How so?significant? How so?

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An Introduction


An IntroductionWhat is Significant about the Process-Oriented Definition of Politics?

First, it clearly takes politics out the governmental arena and puts it into almost all domains of life

These other domains include virtually all social and civil institutions and actors, such as churches, factories, corporations, trade unions, political parties, think tanks, ethnic groups and organizations, women’s groups, organized crime, etc.

Second, it tells us that politics is an ongoing and open-ended process involving multiple actors, multiple forces, multiple struggles, etc.

Third, it tells us that politics--as a struggle for power over the creation and distribution of resources, life chances and well-being--cannot be confined to a single place or territory: politics, short, transcends borders

What is Significant about the Process-Oriented Definition of Politics?

First, it clearly takes politics out the governmental arena and puts it into almost all domains of life

These other domains include virtually all social and civil institutions and actors, such as churches, factories, corporations, trade unions, political parties, think tanks, ethnic groups and organizations, women’s groups, organized crime, etc.

Second, it tells us that politics is an ongoing and open-ended process involving multiple actors, multiple forces, multiple struggles, etc.

Third, it tells us that politics--as a struggle for power over the creation and distribution of resources, life chances and well-being--cannot be confined to a single place or territory: politics, short, transcends borders

Process: a set or course of Process: a set or course of actions and events that lead actions and events that lead to a particular outcome; to a particular outcome; process implies movement; process implies movement; and open-ended process and open-ended process

suggests that outcomes are suggests that outcomes are uncertain uncertain

Process: a set or course of Process: a set or course of actions and events that lead actions and events that lead to a particular outcome; to a particular outcome; process implies movement; process implies movement; and open-ended process and open-ended process

suggests that outcomes are suggests that outcomes are uncertain uncertain

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An Introduction


An IntroductionComparative Politics and a Process-Oriented Definition of Politics

In our course, the “politics” in comparative politics will be considered from processual perspective: in practice, this is how most (albeit not all) comparativists define politics

This leads to an amended definition of comparative politics …

Comparative Politics and a Process-Oriented Definition of Politics

In our course, the “politics” in comparative politics will be considered from processual perspective: in practice, this is how most (albeit not all) comparativists define politics

This leads to an amended definition of comparative politics …Comparative politics, as a subject of

study, examines the interplay of domestic and external forces on the politics of a given country, nation-

state or society.

Comparative politics, as a subject of study, examines the interplay of

domestic and external forces on the politics of a given country, nation-

state or society.

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Back to the Comparative Method

What is the Comparative Method?

Back to the Comparative Method

What is the Comparative Method?

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The Basics of The Basics of ComparingComparing

The First LessonThe First Lesson



“Thinking without comparison is unthinkable. And, in the absence of comparison, so is all scientific thought and

scientific research.”

“Thinking without comparison is unthinkable. And, in the absence of comparison, so is all scientific thought and

scientific research.” This quote tells us that This quote tells us that

we cannot escape the we cannot escape the process of comparing. process of comparing. It’s part and parcel of It’s part and parcel of thinking in general, and thinking in general, and it’s integral to the it’s integral to the scientific enterprise.scientific enterprise.

This quote tells us that This quote tells us that we cannot escape the we cannot escape the process of comparing. process of comparing. It’s part and parcel of It’s part and parcel of thinking in general, and thinking in general, and it’s integral to the it’s integral to the scientific enterprise.scientific enterprise.

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The First LessonThe First LessonIs Comparative Politics a Distinct Field?

If we all compare, if all science is based on

comparison, then what separates

comparative politics from other

fields of study?

Is Comparative Politics a Distinct Field?

If we all compare, if all science is based on

comparison, then what separates

comparative politics from other

fields of study?

In principle, comparative politics (CP) is no different from other fields; in practice, however, one thing that sets CP apart from other fields is the explicit and direct focus on the comparative method--as opposed to simply “comparing” (more on this later)

In principle, comparative politics (CP) is no different from other fields; in practice, however, one thing that sets CP apart from other fields is the explicit and direct focus on the comparative method--as opposed to simply “comparing” (more on this later)

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Another Basic QuestionAnother Basic Question


Another Basic QuestionAnother Basic Question

Why Compare? What is/are the Purpose(s) of Comparing?

In the book …

Why Compare? What is/are the Purpose(s) of Comparing?

In the book …

33general purposes of comparing arediscussed

1.1. Comparing to Comparing to ______________________________



controlcontrol

understandunderstand

explainexplain

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Why Compare: Why Compare: To ControlTo Control



Consider these arguments or claims:

Ineffective and corrupt governments are the main obstacle to economic growth

Authoritarian political systems are more conducive to high levels of economic growth than democracies

Islamic culture is fundamentally incompatible with democracy

The relatively poor math and science skills of American students are due to overcrowded and poorly-funded schools

Consider these arguments or claims:

Ineffective and corrupt governments are the main obstacle to economic growth

Authoritarian political systems are more conducive to high levels of economic growth than democracies

Islamic culture is fundamentally incompatible with democracy

The relatively poor math and science skills of American students are due to overcrowded and poorly-funded schools

How do we know or how can we know if any of these claims is right, wrong, or something else?

How do we know or how can we know if any of these claims is right, wrong, or something else?

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Why Compare: Why Compare: To ControlTo ControlAnother Example: Possible causes of

America’s high rate of gun violence

Violent video games and entertainment Anti-social rock music and/or Marilyn

Manson Too many guns Too much poverty Too much ethnic/racial diversity History of violence in the United States

Another Example: Possible causes of America’s high rate of gun violence

Violent video games and entertainment Anti-social rock music and/or Marilyn

Manson Too many guns Too much poverty Too much ethnic/racial diversity History of violence in the United States

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Why Compare: Why Compare: To ControlTo ControlComparing to Control and Comparative Checking

Through comparative checking, many possible causes of gun violence can be eliminated or problematized

Violent video games and entertainment: Plenty of violent games and entertainment in Japan, Germany, Canada, and so on

Anti-social rock music and/or Marilyn Manson: Germany is home to “Goth Rock,” yet has low rate of gun violence

Too many guns: Several countries have very high rates of gun ownership, but low rates of gun violence

Comparing to Control and Comparative Checking

Through comparative checking, many possible causes of gun violence can be eliminated or problematized

Violent video games and entertainment: Plenty of violent games and entertainment in Japan, Germany, Canada, and so on

Anti-social rock music and/or Marilyn Manson: Germany is home to “Goth Rock,” yet has low rate of gun violence

Too many guns: Several countries have very high rates of gun ownership, but low rates of gun violence

XXXXXXXX

XXXX

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(Continued) Through comparative checking, many possible causes of gun violence can be eliminated or problematized

Too much poverty: Plenty of poor countries that have much less gun violence than US

Too much ethnic/racial diversity: Plenty of ethnically diverse countries with low rates of gun violence

History of Violence: Many societies have far more violent pasts than the U.S.

(Continued) Through comparative checking, many possible causes of gun violence can be eliminated or problematized

Too much poverty: Plenty of poor countries that have much less gun violence than US

Too much ethnic/racial diversity: Plenty of ethnically diverse countries with low rates of gun violence

History of Violence: Many societies have far more violent pasts than the U.S.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

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The Basics of Comparing:

Why Compare: To Understand and Explain

The Basics of Comparing:

Why Compare: To Understand and ExplainComparing to Understand

Focus on a specific place and time; idiographic (definition: “of or relating to the study or discovery of particular scientific facts and processes, as distinct from general law”): researchers interested in understanding, use comparisons to better understand a single case

Comparing to ExplainFocus on theory or general principles; nomothetic (definition: “of or relating to the study or discovery of general scientific laws”): researchers interested in explanation, use comparisons to build general explanations or theories that apply across a range of specific cases

Comparing to UnderstandFocus on a specific place and time; idiographic (definition: “of or relating to the study or discovery of particular scientific facts and processes, as distinct from general law”): researchers interested in understanding, use comparisons to better understand a single case

Comparing to ExplainFocus on theory or general principles; nomothetic (definition: “of or relating to the study or discovery of general scientific laws”): researchers interested in explanation, use comparisons to build general explanations or theories that apply across a range of specific casesBe sure to remember the distinction

between comparing to control, to understand and to explain

Be sure to remember the distinction between comparing to control, to understand and to explain

Click on links Click on links for fuller for fuller definitiondefinition


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiographic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomothetic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiographic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomothetic

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General Purpose

Comparing to Control Comparing to Under stand

Comparing to Explain

Basic strateg y ‡

Comparative checking

Interpretation Analytical Induction

Logic or approach to comparative analysis ‡

Researcher uses a range of cases as a way to “test” (verify or falsify) a specific claim, hypothesis, or theory.

Researcher is primarily interested in a single case and uses different cases or general theories as a way to learn more about the case he/she is studying.

Researcher uses cases as a way to build a stronger theoretical explanation. Cases are used in a “step-by-step” manner, with each case contributing to the development of a general theory.

Basic Example ‡

(1) Begin with a claim: “A high level of gun-ownership will lead to a high level of gun-related homicide.” (2) “Test” the claim: Researcher examines a range of countries in order to “control for” gun ownership; if countries with the highest rates of gun-ownership have low rates of gun-related homicides (and vice versa), the claim is falsified, and must be rejected.

(1) Begin with a case (and issue): The high level of homicides in South Africa (2) Use existing theories and/or other cases to better understand case: Researcher uses a range of theories on gun violence to better understand why South Africa is the most violent country in the world. Researcher also uses other cases to see what those cases can tell her about South Africa.

(1) Begin with a general theory: “Structural theory of democratization” (2) Use various cases to strengthen the theory: Researcher begins by looking at the democratization process in Mexico. This examination may lead researcher to “tweak” or revise elements of theory; he then looks at Taiwan, Poland, and the Ukraine. Each case is used as a stepping stone in developing or strengthening original theory.

Basics of Basics of Comparing: Comparing: A Summary A Summary of the of the Three Three PurposesPurposesComparing to Comparing to ControlControl

Comparing to Comparing to UnderstandUnderstand

Comparing to Comparing to ExplainExplain

This table is on This table is on p. 23 of the p. 23 of the textbooktextbook

This table is on This table is on p. 23 of the p. 23 of the textbooktextbook

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The Basics of Comparing:More Questions

The Basics of Comparing:More Questions

What is Comparable? What Can We Compare?


Can apples and oranges be compare?

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The Basics of The Basics of ComparingComparingSome QuestionsSome Questions



If apples and oranges can be compared, can Haiti and the United also be compared?

Is such a comparison reasonable? Why or why not?


If apples and oranges can be compared, can Haiti and the United also be compared?

Is such a comparison reasonable? Why or why not?

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Key point: The question--“What is comparable?”-- does not have a fixed answer

The answer always depends on the purposes of the researcher and the research question


Key point: The question--“What is comparable?”-- does not have a fixed answer

The answer always depends on the purposes of the researcher and the research question

22



What is Comparable? Another Answer

Scientifically speaking, we can compare “entities whose attributes are in part shared (similar) and in part non-shared”

What is Comparable? Another Answer

Scientifically speaking, we can compare “entities whose attributes are in part shared (similar) and in part non-shared”

Translation: Subjects of comparison must have something (significant) in common, but they cannot be exactly the same

Translation: Subjects of comparison must have something (significant) in common, but they cannot be exactly the same

23



What is Comparable?

In principle, then … The United States and Haiti can be compared because they

have something (significant) in common, but they are not exactly alike

Apples and oranges can be compared because they have something (significant) common--they’re both fruits--but they are not exactly alike

But what about the following …

What is Comparable?

In principle, then … The United States and Haiti can be compared because they

have something (significant) in common, but they are not exactly alike

Apples and oranges can be compared because they have something (significant) common--they’re both fruits--but they are not exactly alike

But what about the following …• Identical twins?

• The US in 1940 and the US in 2007?Short answer is “yes.” Identical twins may be

biologically identical, but they cannot have the exact same experiences growing up; a country changes over time, so the US in 1940 is different from the US in 2007

Short answer is “yes.” Identical twins may be biologically identical, but they cannot have the exact same experiences growing up; a country changes over time, so the US in 1940 is different from the US in 2007

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One Last Point on “What is Comparable?”

Comparisons need not be limited to countries or societies:

Events (like a war or revolution) are comparable

Political or social institutions are comparable (e.g. the executive branch, the military, economic agencies)

Policies are comparable (e.g. health care, aid to the poor, official development assistance)

One Last Point on “What is Comparable?”

Comparisons need not be limited to countries or societies:

Events (like a war or revolution) are comparable

Political or social institutions are comparable (e.g. the executive branch, the military, economic agencies)

Policies are comparable (e.g. health care, aid to the poor, official development assistance)



25


Advantages of ComparingAdvantages of Comparing



Two General Advantages of Comparative Analysis

1. Ability to deal with complex causality

2. Ability to get inside the “black box” of explanation

Two General Advantages of Comparative Analysis

1. Ability to deal with complex causality

2. Ability to get inside the “black box” of explanation

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Advantages of ComparingAdvantages of ComparingComplex causality--An

Example:

To say that a “culture of fear” is the reason for the high rate of gun homicides in the United States is simplistic

The statement fails, for example, to recognize complex causality

Moore’s argument, however, can be refined to show a greater appreciation for complex causality, as indicated in the figure

Complex causality--An Example:

To say that a “culture of fear” is the reason for the high rate of gun homicides in the United States is simplistic

The statement fails, for example, to recognize complex causality

Moore’s argument, however, can be refined to show a greater appreciation for complex causality, as indicated in the figure

27




Advantages of ComparingAdvantages of ComparingThe Black Box of Explanation

Factor X Outcome Y

(e.g. capitalism) (e.g., democracy)

Statistical or quantitative analysis does a very good job of showing a correlation between X and Y, but typically does not explain why this correlation exists in the first place. Getting inside the black box of explanation may be possible with statistical analysis, but qualitative analysis is usually much better suited for this task.

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The Basics of Comparing


The Logic of Comparative Analysis

To do comparative analysis properly, one absolutely, positively must have a grasp of the general logic of comparing


To do comparative analysis properly, one absolutely, positively must have a grasp of the general logic of comparing

29




In the dictionary, logic is defined in the following ways:

1. Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity; a particular system or codification of the principles of proof and inference; the systematic use of symbolic and mathematical techniques to determine the forms of valid deductive argument

2. A system or set of principles underlying the arrangements of elements in a computer or electronic device so as to perform a specified task logical operations collectively


In the dictionary, logic is defined in the following ways:

1. Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity; a particular system or codification of the principles of proof and inference; the systematic use of symbolic and mathematical techniques to determine the forms of valid deductive argument

2. A system or set of principles underlying the arrangements of elements in a computer or electronic device so as to perform a specified task logical operations collectively

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In the context of comparative analysis, logic refers

… to the basic principles upon which most (and most types of) comparisons are based

These principles have to do with the justification or rationale underlying all comparisons in the most general sense

For our purposes, the two “logics” we need to know are the most ______________ systems and the most _______________ systems designs


In the context of comparative analysis, logic refers

… to the basic principles upon which most (and most types of) comparisons are based

These principles have to do with the justification or rationale underlying all comparisons in the most general sense

For our purposes, the two “logics” we need to know are the most ______________ systems and the most _______________ systems designs

similar different

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Logic of Comparative Analysis

The Most Similar Systems Design


The Most Similar Systems DesignThe MSS Design

The MSS design is based on comparing two or more very similar social systems

More importantly, it’s based on matching up and then comparing two more systems that share a whole range of similarities, but also __________ in at least a couple of important respects

The MSS Design

The MSS design is based on comparing two or more very similar social systems

More importantly, it’s based on matching up and then comparing two more systems that share a whole range of similarities, but also __________ in at least a couple of important respectsdiffer

32





To Repeat: In the MSS design, differences are key!

The MSS Design

To Repeat: In the MSS design, differences are key!

33





If differences are key, what needs to differ?

A: _____________________

B: _____________________

The MSS Design

If differences are key, what needs to differ?

A: _____________________

B: _____________________

Independent Independent VariableVariableDependent Dependent VariableVariable

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Dependent and Independent Variables


Dependent and Independent VariablesDefinitions

Independent variables can be defined simply as those which act on or affect something

Dependent variables are those that are being affected or acted on

Put more simply: independent variables are the cause of a certain outcome, while the dependent variable is the outcome or effect itself

Definitions

Independent variables can be defined simply as those which act on or affect something

Dependent variables are those that are being affected or acted on

Put more simply: independent variables are the cause of a certain outcome, while the dependent variable is the outcome or effect itself



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_variable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_variable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_variable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_variable

35




Dependent and Independent VariablesConsider the Following Example … American students do relatively poorly in math and science because schools in the United States are overcrowded and poorly funded.

The dependent variable is ___________________________

The independent variable(s) is/are

________________________________________________

Consider the Following Example … American students do relatively poorly in math and science because schools in the United States are overcrowded and poorly funded.

The dependent variable is ___________________________

The independent variable(s) is/are

________________________________________________

poor math and science poor math and science scoresscores

overcrowded and poorly funded overcrowded and poorly funded schoolsschools

36




Dependent and Independent VariablesOther Important Points about Variables

First, all social science arguments require an independent and dependent variable

Second, in a social science argument, both variables need to be defined as precisely as possible

Third, you need to be able to specify the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

Other Important Points about Variables

First, all social science arguments require an independent and dependent variable

Second, in a social science argument, both variables need to be defined as precisely as possible

Third, you need to be able to specify the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

37


Most Similar Systems Design


Most Similar Systems DesignMSS in BFC (Bowling for Columbine)

To better understand the basic logic of MSS, let’s consider the case of gun violence in the US and Canada

Did Michael Moore use an MSS design?

What were his(unstated)comparative assumptions?

MSS in BFC (Bowling for Columbine)

To better understand the basic logic of MSS, let’s consider the case of gun violence in the US and Canada

Did Michael Moore use an MSS design?

What were his(unstated)comparative assumptions?

Yeah, I Yeah, I did use did use an MSS an MSS design*design*

Yeah, I Yeah, I did use did use an MSS an MSS design*design*

See the next slide …See the next slide …

* But maybe I didn’t know I did* But maybe I didn’t know I did

38


Most Similar Systems Design


Most Similar Systems DesignMSS in BFC (Bowling for Columbine)

Key Assumptions

First, Moore assumed that the “units” or cases shared an extremely wide range of similarities

Second, he assumed that, once he controlled for all of the similarities, that there would be at least a few significant differences between his two cases

Third, he assumed that, for the comparison to make sense, the dependent variable between the cases had to “vary”(called variance on the dependent variable)

MSS in BFC (Bowling for Columbine)

Key Assumptions

First, Moore assumed that the “units” or cases shared an extremely wide range of similarities

Second, he assumed that, once he controlled for all of the similarities, that there would be at least a few significant differences between his two cases

Third, he assumed that, for the comparison to make sense, the dependent variable between the cases had to “vary”(called variance on the dependent variable)

39



The “Rubber The “Rubber Ducky” ExampleDucky” Example

The task when The task when comparing two comparing two very similar very similar systems is to systems is to find the key find the key differencesdifferences in in a a sea of sea of similaritiessimilarities. .

Each “plain” Each “plain” rubber ducky rubber ducky represents a represents a similarity similarity between two between two systems, A and systems, A and B. B.

40



The “Rubber The “Rubber Ducky” ExampleDucky” Example

Once the Once the similarities similarities are identified, are identified, the researcher the researcher can can “eliminate”(or “eliminate”(or control for) control for) for these; this for these; this is represented is represented by the “x.” by the “x.” This done, the This done, the researcher can researcher can then focus on then focus on finding the key finding the key differences differences between the two between the two systemssystems

41


Most Similar Systems Design: A Bad Example


Most Similar Systems Design: A Bad Example A Flawed MSS Design

This (hypothetical) design is based on the argument that both Taiwan and Korea have a “developmental state” (independent variable, x), and both cases experienced a “very high rate of economic growth” (dependent variable, y). Therefore, x is the cause of y

But, how do we know that x is the key independent variable, or even a significant independent variable? What about:

Culture-----> y or Skilled workforce -----> y?

System 1:

S. Korea System 2: Taiwan

Similar or Different

Dependent variable (y) • Rate of national

economic growth Independent variable (x) • Type of state Other similarities (examples) • Cultural heritage • Political system • Importance of

education • Workforce skills • Relationship with

U.S. • Natural resource

endowment • Geographic location • Economic policy • “Timing” of

development

Very high Deve lopmental Con fucian Authoritarian High High Strong, c lose Limited NE Asia EOI/ISI Post-1945

Very high Deve lopmental Con fucian Authoritarian High High Strong, c lose Limited NE Asia EOI/ISI Post-1945

Similar (i.e., no variance) Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar

KEY: in this “MSS” design, KEY: in this “MSS” design, there are simply no there are simply no

differences between the two differences between the two cases. cases. This ain’t good!This ain’t good!

KEY: in this “MSS” design, KEY: in this “MSS” design, there are simply no there are simply no

differences between the two differences between the two cases. cases. This ain’t good!This ain’t good!

This table is on p. 40 of the textThis table is on p. 40 of the text

4242

Logic of Comparative AnalysisMost Different Systems DesignLogic of Comparative AnalysisMost Different Systems Design

Contrasting the MSS and the MDS designs

MSS: In a vast sea of similarities, find the _____________ between two very similar systems

MDS: In a vast sea of differences, find _____________ between very dissimilar systems

Contrasting the MSS and the MDS designs

MSS: In a vast sea of similarities, find the _____________ between two very similar systems

MDS: In a vast sea of differences, find _____________ between very dissimilar systems

differences

similarities

43


Most Different Systems Design


Most Different Systems DesignImplications of MDS logic

Unlike the MSS design, you don’t need, nor do you want variance on the dependent variable

In other words, the dependent variable should be the same for all the units in an MDS design, and so should the independent variable

Implications of MDS logic

Unlike the MSS design, you don’t need, nor do you want variance on the dependent variable

In other words, the dependent variable should be the same for all the units in an MDS design, and so should the independent variableHow does it make sense to compare two How does it make sense to compare two

things with a whole bunch of things with a whole bunch of differences? What’s the point?differences? What’s the point?

How does it make sense to compare two How does it make sense to compare two things with a whole bunch of things with a whole bunch of

differences? What’s the point?differences? What’s the point?

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Most Different Systems DesignMDS logic: An an MDS design, the researcher considers differences largely irrelevant if, among the “most different systems” there are significant similarities. Consider a (hypothetical) comparison of suicide rates in Soviet Russia, Sweden and the Zuni …

MDS logic: An an MDS design, the researcher considers differences largely irrelevant if, among the “most different systems” there are significant similarities. Consider a (hypothetical) comparison of suicide rates in Soviet Russia, Sweden and the Zuni …

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Most Different Systems DesignMDS Logic: Basic Explanation

Soviet Russia, Sweden, and the Zuni differed in almost everyrespect …

different economic systems, different political systems, different climates, different levels of economic wealth, different social structures, different ethnic makeup, different cultures, etc.

… (hypothetically) they had one significant thing in common, namely, a high rate of suicide

MDS Logic: Basic Explanation

Soviet Russia, Sweden, and the Zuni differed in almost everyrespect …

different economic systems, different political systems, different climates, different levels of economic wealth, different social structures, different ethnic makeup, different cultures, etc.

… (hypothetically) they had one significant thing in common, namely, a high rate of suicide

BUTBUTTo comparativists, the similar rate of suicide raises the question: despite all their differences, is there a common element (independent variable) in each “case” that could explain the high rate of suicide? The task in an MDS design is to find the common independent variable.

To comparativists, the similar rate of suicide raises the question: despite all their differences, is there a common element (independent variable) in each “case” that could explain the high rate of suicide? The task in an MDS design is to find the common independent variable.

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Most Different Systems DesignIn Theda Skocpol’s In Theda Skocpol’s research, she used research, she used three “most three “most different systems” different systems” (Russia, France, (Russia, France, and China) to find and China) to find the cause of the cause of social revolutionsocial revolution

The logic is based The logic is based on finding key on finding key similarities among similarities among all three unitsall three units

Differences can be Differences can be eliminatedeliminated

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