PO218 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Dependent And Independent Variables
Document Summary
Theory: an explanation of phenomenon at the abstract conceptual level. Is there a reasonable explanation for the phenomenon: good theory = concept, variable and indicator all connect and relate, variables capture the essence of the concept, theory: concepts variable indicator. Indicator how can the variable be measured: general to specific i. e. freedom = peace: freedom; peace free press; armed conflict editorials; number of armed casualties. Inferential analysis: making an inference about a population: we often don"t know the parameter. Variable scale: how an observation is recorded: does not have to do with the intrinsic nature of the underlying concept, categorical scale.
