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