Lecture 3 - Research Design II: Macro-foundations

Question 1

Representativeness

In a Comparitive Case Study

Answer 1

What is it a case of? What is the broader universe of cases?

Question 2

Comparability

In a Comparitive Case Study

Answer 2

Unit homogeneity / equivalence

Question 3

Variation

In a Comparitive Case Study

Answer 3

What makes the cases similar/different?

Question 4

Diverse Cases

Comparitive Case Study

Answer 4

• Two or more cases representing variation on a relevant condition
• Cases are selected to represent the full range of values on a relevant condition / relationship
• Aim: How does a condition / relationship play out differently?

Question 5

Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD)

Answer 5

To explain differences between the units, units are chosen that are as similar as possible with respect to all conditions other than those to be explained. This is the most similar strategy.

(Grønmo)

Question 6

Most Different Systems Design (MDSD)

Answer 6

To explain similarities between the units, the general strategy is to choose units that are as different as possible with respect to all conditions other than those to be explained. This is the most different strategy.

(Grønmo)

Question 7

Hypothesis

Answer 7

Statement about social phenomenon that can be tested empirically

Question 8

Null hypothesis (H0)

Answer 8

Type of statistical hypothesis that proposes that no statistical significance (no effect) exists in a set of given observations.

E.g. No relation between conflict intensity and level forced migration

Question 9

Alternative hypothesis (H1)

Answer 9

An alternative hypothesis states that there is a statistically significant relationship (an effect) between the variables.

An opposing theory to the null hypothesis.

E.g. There is a relationship between conflict intensity and level forced migration

Question 10

Operationalisation

Answer 10

Turning abstract conceptual ideas into measurable observations.
Criteria for how concepts are going to be measured by empirical data.

Question 11

Independent Variable

Answer 11

A variable in the analysis of the relationship that assumes to influence another variable e.g. temperature

Question 12

Dependent Variable

Answer 12

A variable in the analysis of the relationship which is assumed to be influenced by one or more variables e.g. plant growth

Question 13

Variable

Answer 13

A characteristic that can be measured, is numeric (measurable), and they “vary” between observations.
Once concepts are operationalised they become variables. Each concept has an associated variable.