Types of Variables and Data in Political Science Research

Binary Variables

Variables with two possible values, 0 or 1.

Discrete Variables

Data in distinct categories or groups.

Continuous Variables

Data that can take any value in a range.

Ordinal Variables

Categorical data with a meaningful order.

Nominal Variables

Categorical data without a specific order.

Logged Variables

Transformed variables using logarithmic scale.

Cross-Sectional Data

Data collected at one point in time.

Panel Data

Repeated observations of the same units over time.

Repeated Cross-Sectional Data

Different samples from the same population over time.

Average Treatment Effects

Difference in means between treated and control groups.

Factors in R

Categorical variables treated as factors in analysis.

Fixed Effects Models

Control for unit-specific and time-specific effects.

Causal Relationships

Identifying cause-effect links through repeated measures.

Transforming Data

Changing data types for analysis, e.g., categorical to binary.

Polity Score

Example of discrete data on political systems.

Income Data

Often skewed, may require logarithmic transformation.

Qualitative Research

Research methods focusing on non-numeric data.

Case Studies

In-depth analysis of specific instances or events.

Process Tracing

Method to examine causal mechanisms in qualitative research.

Dummy Variables

Binary variables used in regression analysis.

Regression Analysis

Statistical method for estimating relationships among variables.

Unit Specific Effects

Unique characteristics affecting a specific unit over time.

Time Period Effects

Common influences affecting all units in a given period.

Covariates

Additional variables included in a regression model.