1.1: The Practice of Political Scientists

Key Terms

  • Empirical Data: Information gathered through observation, experimentation, or other forms of data collection.

  • Normative Data: Data that represents typical or average performance or behavior within a specific population.

  • Quantitative Analysis: The use of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze numerical data.

  • Qualitative Analysis: The use of non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and surveys to analyze and interpret patterns and themes.

  • Correlation: A statistical measure that indicates the degree to which two variables are related to each other.

  • Positive Correlation: A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other variable.

  • Negative Correlation: A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other variable.

  • Causation: A relationship between two variables in which one variable directly influences or causes a change in the other variable.

  • Human Development Index (HDI): A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

  • Gini Index: A measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time period.

  • Freedom House: An organization that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights.

  • Transparency International: An organization that monitors and publicizes corporate and political corruption in international development.

  • Failed (or Fragile) States Index: An annual ranking of countries based on their vulnerability to conflict and instability, as well as their capacity to provide basic services and maintain the rule of law.

Core Course Countries

  • United Kingdom

    • The UK has a parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy.

    • It is a member of the European Union and has a strong tradition of democracy and rule of law.

  • Russia

    • Russia has a federal semi-presidential republic system of government.

    • It has a strong centralized government and a history of authoritarianism.

    • It is also a major player in international politics.

  • Iran

    • Iran has an Islamic republic system of government.

    • It is a theocracy with a supreme leader and a president.

    • It has a complex relationship with the international community due to its nuclear program and support for militant groups.

  • Mexico

    • Mexico has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government.

    • It has a history of corruption and drug violence, but has made progress in recent years towards reform and strengthening its democracy.

  • China

    • China has a single-party socialist republic system of government.

    • It has a strong centralized government and a mixed economy.

    • It is also a major player in international politics and has been criticized for its human rights record.

  • Nigeria

    • Nigeria has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government.

    • It has a history of political instability and corruption, but has made progress in recent years towards reform and strengthening its democracy.

    • It is also a major player in African politics.

The Practice of Political Scientists

  • Political scientists: These are professionals who study political systems, behavior, and institutions.

    • They use various methods to analyze and interpret political phenomena, and their work is essential for understanding how governments and societies function.

  • Political scientists use a variety of research methods to gather data and analyze political phenomena.

    • Surveys: Political scientists use this to gather information about public opinion, voting behavior, and other political attitudes and behaviors.

    • Interviews: They may conduct this with politicians, government officials, or other experts in the field.

    • Case Studies: Political scientists use these to examine specific political events or phenomena in detail. This method involves analyzing a single case in depth to gain insights into broader political trends.

    • Quantitative Analysis: Political scientists use these to analyze large amounts of data. This approach allows them to identify patterns and trends in political behavior and institutions.

  • Political scientists study a wide range of topics related to politics and government.

    • Political Theory: The study of political ideas and concepts. Political scientists in this field examine the philosophical foundations of political systems and institutions.

    • Comparative Politics: The study of different political systems and institutions around the world. Political scientists in this field compare and contrast different political systems to identify similarities and differences.

    • International Relations: The study of the relationships between different countries and the ways in which they interact with each other. Political scientists in this field examine issues such as diplomacy, war, and trade.

    • Public Policy: The study of how governments make decisions and implement policies. Political scientists in this field examine the ways in which policies are created and how they affect society.