POL224Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Cognitive Dissonance, Scientific Method, Voting System
Document Summary
Ask a question about the world (read about topic) Theories are the extent of our knowledge about the universe. General relativity, quantum theory, cognitive dissonance theory, selectorate theory, spatial voting theory. Theories are explanations of social and natural phenomena. Devising a new theory is the most difficult, yet crucial, aspect of the scientific method. A change in x causes a change in y. Apparition of new social cleavage explains change in party system. The less relevant the institution, the less people vote. Statements about the world that are taken as given. The objective of governments is to stay in power (to survive); survival depends on winning coalition; catering to winning coalition helps to maintain support. The greater the size of the winning coalition, the more a government will take into account general interest of population. Expressed in a way that can be tested. Explanations apply generally, not just to specific cases. Measure y in both groups, before and after.