Introduction to Political Science

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions from the lecture on political science, focusing on data types, variables, political analysis, and country classifications.

Political Scientist

A person who uses data to form hypotheses and draw conclusions about political phenomena.

Empirical Data

Data designed and based on factual statements and statistics; for example, studying a country's exports and imports.

Normative Data

Data that requires value judgments and deeper analysis; used to argue the positive or negative value of empirical findings.

Variable

A measurable trait or characteristic that changes based on different conditions.

Independent Variables

Variables that act as influencers and cause changes; for example, higher education levels can lead to increased income.

Dependent Variables

Variables that are influenced or changed as a result; for example, income levels which vary based on education.

Correlation

A mutual relationship between two or more things, such as ice cream sales and crime rates peaking in July, without implying one causes the other.

Causation

The action of causing something; a relationship where one variable directly affects another, like income level affecting education level.

Traditional Comparison

Comparing different political systems, such as an authoritarian state versus a democratic state.

Informal Politics

The study of how citizens' beliefs, actions, and values affect policy making.

Civil Society

The organization of citizens and how they define their interests.

Political Change

The study of how politics evolve depending on various factors and groups, such as the fall of the USSR.

Economic Integration

The process by which citizens impact and are impacted by economic factors, shaping their views on government.

Advanced Democracies

Countries with well-established democracies, exemplified by the UK.

Communist/Post-Communist Countries

Nations that traditionally limit individual freedoms, such as Russia and China.

Newly Industrializing Countries

Nations experiencing rapid economic growth and moving toward democracy, such as Iran and Mexico.

Less Developed Nations

Countries with significant lack of economic development that tend toward authoritarian governance, such as Nigeria.