GVPT 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Null Hypothesis, Circular Reasoning, Dependent And Independent Variables
15 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Generally, in empirical political research, seek to develop and test theoretical arguments. Ex: presidential candidates seem to be support by different groups. Ex: trump supporters are socio-economically worse off than clinton supporters. Explanations which generally make causal statements: if x happens, then y will follow as a result because . Identifies a relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Identifies the mechanism that links the independent to the dependent variable. Dependent variables: variable that represents the effect in a causal explanation. Independent variable: variable that represents a causal factor in an explanation. Intervening variable: variable that interacts with the way the independent variable affects the dependent variable. Parsimonious: the best explain the most with the least. Starts with simple, uncontroversial premises and lead to interesting and non-obvious conclusions. Can be evaluated in a couple of ways. Logical (internal) consistency - do the conclusions follow logically from the premises. Empirical accuracy - do the theories help us understand the world.
