Ch 2: What is Science?
Government 1313 with Anderson at Cornell University
About this deck
By: Misty Miglorin
Textbook:
Principles Of Comparative Politics
Created: 2011-03-01
Size: 23 flashcards
Views: 137
Textbook:
Principles Of Comparative PoliticsCreated: 2011-03-01
Size: 23 flashcards
Views: 137
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comparative method/Mill's methods
the systematic search for the necessary and sufficient causes of political phenomena. comprises the method of agreement and the method of difference
necessary condition
a circumstance in whose absence the event in question cannot occur
sufficient condition
a circumstance in whose presence the event in question must occur
necessary and sufficient condition
a circmstance in whose absence the event in question will not occur and in whose presence the event in question must occur
Mill's Method of Agreement
compares cases that "agree" in regard to the outcome to be explained "if 2+ instances of the phenomenon under investigation have only 1 circumstance in common, the circumstance in which all the instances agree, is the cause of the given phenomenon."
Mill's Method of Difference
compares cases that "differ" in regard to the outcome to be explained
deterministic cause
one that always produces a specific outcome
probabilistic cause
one that influences the probability of a specific outcome
interaction effect
occurs when the effect of one variable on an outcome depends on the value of another variable. two or more conditions jointly cause the outcome.
argument
a set of logically connected statements, typically in the form of a set of premises, and a conclusion
premise
a statement that is presmed to be true within the context of an argument leading to a conclusion
conclusion
a claim that is thought to be supported by the premises
valid argument
one in which, if you accept the premises, you are compelled to accept the conclusion.
invalid argument
one in which, if you accept the premises, then you are free to accept or reject the conclusion
categorical syllogism
a specific type of argument that consists of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclsion
major premise, minor premise, conclusion
if P, then Q. "if a country is wealthy, then it will be a democracy."
Q. "the country is a democracy."
therefore P. "therefore, the country is wealthy."
falsification
an approach to science in which scientists generate testable hypotheses from theories designed to explain phenomena of interest. merit of a theory lies in how well it stands up to rigorous testing.
falsifiable
scientific statements are falsifiable. this means that they are potentially testable - there mst be some imaginable observation that could falsify or refute it.
tautology
a statement that is true by definition. ex: "strong states are able to overcome special interests in order to implement policies that are best for the nation." how do you define a "strong state" without its ability to overcome special interests?
scientific method
describes the process by which scientists learn about the world
theory
a set of logically consisten statements that tell us why the things that we observe occur. sometimes called a "model" or "explanation".
uniformity of nature
nature's operating mechanisms are unchanging in the sense that if X causes Y today, then it will also cause Y tomorrow, and the net day and so on.
critical test
one that allows the analyst to use observation to distinguish between two or more competing explnations of the same phnomenon. only one model can be consistent with the real world.
About this deck
By: Misty Miglorin
Textbook: Principles Of Comparative Politics
Created: 2011-03-01
Size: 23 flashcards
Views: 137
Textbook:
Principles Of Comparative PoliticsCreated: 2011-03-01
Size: 23 flashcards
Views: 137
About StudyBlue
STUDYBLUE makes things that make you better at school.
Things like online flashcards with photos and audio.
Things like personalized quizzes and friendly reminders about when (and what) to study next.
Think of it as a digital backpack™: access to all of your study materials online and on your phone.
STUDYBLUE exists to make studying efficient and effective for every student, for free. Join us.
“I have used this website for three exams, and I see a huge difference in my test results.”
Naj
Naj