POL222 - week 2

Theory

Explains the relationship between phenomena, guides formation of hypotheses

Hypothesis

Testable statement that is derived from a theory, specifies expected relationships between varibales

Independent Variable

Variable that causes the outcome being studied, X

Dependent Variable

Variable being measured in response to changes in the independent variable, Y

Casual Mechanism

Process that links the IV to the DV

Operationalization of Variables

Process of making variables measurable and defining how to measure them, such as through surveys

EX. Likert Scale, used to measure attitudes/opinions by asking respondents to indicate level of agreement

Three different levels of data

Individual Level Data - data collected from individual respondents, used to analyze personal perceptions/behaviours

Aggregate Level Data - data collected at macro level (EX. country/year data) to analyze broader trends

Multi-Level Analysis - examining data at all levels to test hypotheses

Empirical Analysis

Evaluating data to see if it supports/contradicts a hypothesis

EX. Quantitative Empirical Methods - systematic approaches used to test hypotheses and theories through numerical data and statistical analysis

EX. Regression Analysis - Statistical method used to model the relationship between variables, often used to test hypotheses

Types of Evidence

Consistent Evidence - Empirical findings that support a hypothesis or theory, increases confidence in its validity

Inconsistent Evidence - Empirical findings that contradict a hypothesis or theory, prompting revision or rejection

Evaluation

Ongoing assessment of both theory and hypothesis based on empirical findings, leading to refinement or revision

Three Types of Quantitative Empirical Methods

Forecasting - process of making predictions about future events based on past data and trends

Description - collects information through public polling, does not control

Casual Question - Research Inquiry, trying to understand cause and effect relationship between variables