National Material Capabilities Data Set (COW) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core terms, caveats, quality codes, component data sets, and CINC calculation rules from Version 3.0 of the Correlates of War National Material Capabilities dataset documentation.

Interpolation (Estimation Method)

A gap-filling estimation method used when endpoint values are assumed accurate and the change rate between them is assumed uniform, treating estimates as correct even if they depart from the long-run trend.

Bivariate Regression on Time

An estimation method used when data is missing or sources lack comparability, assuming that the true change rate is constant over a longer sequence of data points where endpoints and reported values may be in error.

Basic Dimensions of Capability

The demographic, industrial, and military indicators selected by the Correlates of War project as the primary measures reflecting the breadth and depth of material resources a nation can bring to bear in disputes.

Quality Code Variable

A separate column included in four capability indicators (iron and steel production, primary energy consumption, total population, and urban population) to make estimations transparent to users.

Grade "A" Quality Designation

The universal designation within the COW data set representing a well-documented data point.

Anomaly Code Column

A column in each component sub-data set created to document major fluctuations or discontinuities in data series and identify whether they stem from real historical changes or artificial coding variations.

Composite Index of National Capability (CINC) Score

An aggregated index created by Singer, Bremer, and Stuckey (1972) that averages a state's share of system totals across six material capability components into a single value ranging between $0.0$ and $1.0$ per state-year.

U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA)

The source used to modify and update the COW Military Personnel Data Set for all data points from 1961 until 1993.

Primary Energy Consumption Data Set (v3.0)

A component dataset that was completely re-constructed for version 3.0 by re-calculating all energy values from raw data sources and compiling them into a total energy consumption value extended to 2001.

NMC_3.0.csv

The flat, comma-separated-variable (comma-delimited) text file containing version 3.0 of the Correlates of War National Material Capabilities Data Set covering the years 1816 to 2001.