Lecture 1.22.09

Most research observed is empirical find sample ask questions score answers put everything on a quantitative data set large N research: using integers is difficult; ppl can?t quantify their feelings in 101 possibilities (0-100) BUT, people are much better w/ 7-point scales between variables, ?association? is a major factor x = independent variable y = consequence/ dependent variable somehow, x is influencing y can be ppl, sometimes pairs (ex. parent and child) empirical research: usu. descriptive, sometimes causal in purpose (therein lie the problems w/ interpreting research) small n research: only study a few cases w/ lots of properties, over time intensive field research political socialization: our political values are acquired through osmosis transmission can be successful or not social learning theory: ppl form political views through observing ppl in their environment more exposure + affection = greater influence parents are thus very important (both exposure and affection) transmission success depends on frequency of political discussion if parents are stable in their views, transmission is more likely most Americans are flip-floppers also important for parent to agree theory ( hypotheses ( application causal questions: what?s causing the results? genetic rival theory: political transmission is the result of genetic transmission political efficacy precedes college Concluding Points empirical research causal vs. descriptive info attributes (few vs many) data sets theories ( ideas Cases can also be timepoints cross-sectional data some sort of entity w/o time-variation time-series data timepoints make up the case (ex. Gallup rating) a lot of research in this class is going to be time-series