Comparative Politics Ch. 1: The Comparative Approach: An Introduction

open-ended question

A question that, in principle, is open to numerous possible answers

most-similar-systems (MSS)

A research design in which we compare cases that are similar with respect to a number of factors but with distinct outcomes.

most-different-systems (MDS)

A research design in which we compare cases that differ with respect to multiple factors but in which the outcome is the same

variable

An element or factor that is liable to change or vary, from case to case

variation

Difference between cases in any given study of comparative politics

empirical

Drawn from observations of the world

case

In comparative analysis, a unit or example of a phenomenon to be studied

dependent variable

In hypothesis testing, the dependent variable is the effect or outcome that we expect to be acted on (or have its value altered) by the independent variable.

independent variable

In hypothesis testing, the independent variable is the one that we expect to "act on" or change the value of the dependent variable.

evidence

Information that has implications for a theory or hypothesis

within-case comparison

The comparative analysis of variation that takes place over time or in distinct parts of a single case

conceptualization

The deliberate process through which we create and select social-scientific concepts.

Satori's ladder of abstraction

The idea that we can organize concepts on the basis of their specificity or generality

level of analysis

The level (e.g. individual, organizational, societal) at which observations are made, or at which causal processes operate

argument

The placement of evidence in logical form in support of a position or claim

comparative checking

The process of testing the conclusions from a set of comparisons against additional cases of evidence

operationalization

The process through which we take our concepts and render them measurable

generalizability

The quality that a given theory, hypothesis, or finding has of being applicable to a wide number of cases

comparative politics

The subfield of political science that aims to analyze multiple cases using the comparative method

outcome

Typically used as a synonym for "effect," something that is produced or changed in any social or political process

concept

an idea comparativists use to think about the processes we study

normative

concerned with specifying which sort of practice or institution is morally or ethically justified