APCOGO Ch 1 Vocab

Causation

When a change in one variable precipitates a change in another variable

Correlation

An apparent connection between variables

Empirical statement

An assertion of a fact that can be proven

Normative statement

A value judgement, usually in the form of should or ought to

Quantitative data

Observations made using statistical techniques

Qualitative data

Text-based descriptions

Human Development Index (HDI)

An aggregate measure of life expectancy, education, and per capita income

Gross domestic product (GDP)

The total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year

GDP per capita

Gross domestic product divided by population

GDP growth rate

The percentage of GDP growth over a period of time

Gini index (coefficient)

A measure of income inequality within a country

Freedom House

A nongovernmental organization that advocates for democracy and human rights, measuring freedom around the world

Democratic consolidation

The process by which a regime has developed stable democratic institutions and significant protections of civil liberties, leaving it unlikely to return to authoritarianism

Corruption

The abuse of official power for personal gain

Corruption Perceptions Index

A measure of how corrupt a system is believed to be

Strong state

A state that is capable of providing necessary government services to its citizens

Failed state

A state that has lost control over all or part of its territory

Fragile State Index

A measure of state strength, highlighting concerns about fragile and failed states