Exam I Flashcards
(64 cards)
What are the social sciences?
Systematic study of human action focusing on elements of thought and behavior that are in some degree social or interactive.
What are the two assumptions central to the study of political science?
- Humans act consistently in a discoverable manner
2. Human behavior is predictable and susceptible to general regularities.
What are characteristics of the scientific method?
Systematic, replicable, rigorous, cumulative, skeptical, transparent, falsifiable, rational, evidence-based, generalizable, non-subjective.
What are two aspects of empirical designs in political science?
- Observation or experience can be used to determine whether a statement is false.
- Relies on deductive or inductive reasoning.
What is inductive reasoning?
Reasoning from the specific to the general. Deriving a broad principle by observing particular events or instances.
What is deductive reasoning?
Reasoning from the general to the specific.
What are the qualities of empirical research?
Falsifiability, replicability, generalizability, parsimony.
What is falsifiability?
The likelihood that a theory or hypothesis can be proven wrong.
What is replicability?
The ability to reproduce existing or extant findings in a setting that is similar to a previous piece of research. Verification involves repetition: claims to truth involve assurances of replicability.
What is generalizability?
The ability to explain more than less. The more one can explain with a given argument the more powerful or robust that argument is.
What is parsimony?
Not just the simplest answer is the best answer, but explaining as much as possible with as little as possible.
What is positivism?
Based in the scientific method, assumes the researcher can be objective in their observations.
What are some criticisms of positivism?
Political behavior is complex, data can be difficult or impossible to attain, it is impossible to be an apolitical or neutral researcher, much human behavior is not directly observable.
What is interpretivism?
Takes into account ideas, beliefs, perceptions, meaning. Rejects positivism on the grounds that objective research is impossible. Focuses on immersive designs (field research, participant observation). Deals with unique, contingent, cultural phenomena.
What is Critical Theory?
Developed out of the neo-Marxist Frankfurt School. Aims at critiquing and changing society as a whole, rather than explaining it. Aims to put knowledge into action. Tends toward an integrative approach of social science rather than on the disciplinary boundaries that separate them. Advocates that research is not value-free nor objective, and contends that scholars have a political and moral obligation to solve problems and that research should be prescriptive.
Which field is this question based in: How is law a social construct that serves both to liberate and oppress?
Critical Theory
Which field is this question based in:Why does the Turkish president cry frequently in public?
Interpretivism
Which field is this question based in: What is the relationship between ethnic diversity and civil war?
Positivism
What are three methods of social-science research?
Qualitative, quantitative, and normative.
What is qualitative research?
A wide range of approaches, none of which rely on numerical measures.
What is quantitative research?
Uses numbers and statistical methods.
What is normative research?
“What should” occur, often grounded in political theory. Addresses key topics such as what should the responsibilities of a citizen be or what constitutes legitimate exercises of power.
Was Putnam’s study of Italy inductive or deductive?
Inductive
What is Civic Community?
Active participation in public affairs, the pursuit of self-interest defined in the context of a broader public need.
