This document discusses why politics is an important topic to study and introduces some key concepts in political science. It notes that politics deals with important social and political issues like education, taxation, and racial tensions. It defines politics and government, and discusses why states vary in their policies and approaches. It introduces quantitative and qualitative analysis, the idea of variables and units of analysis, and the concepts of correlation and causation. Key terms covered include concepts, operationalization, theories, hypotheses, and political culture.
Oligarchy rules democracy: Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Int...Sadanand Patwardhan
Each of four theoretical traditions in the study of American politics – which can be characterized as theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy, Economic Elite Domination, and two types of interest group pluralism, Majoritarian Pluralism and Biased Pluralism – offers different predictions about which sets of actors have how much influence over public policy: average citizens; economic elites; and organized interest groups, mass-based or business-oriented. A great deal of empirical research speaks to the policy influence of one or another set of actors, but until recently it has not been possible to test these contrasting theoretical predictions against each other within a single statistical model. This paper reports on an effort to do so, using a unique data set that includes measures of the key variables for 1,779 policy issues. Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence. The results provide substantial support for theories of Economic Elite Domination and for theories of Biased Pluralism, but not for theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy or Majoritarian Pluralism. The study is by Martin Gilens, Princeton University and Benjamin I. Page, Northwestern University.
Oligarchy rules democracy: Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Int...Sadanand Patwardhan
Each of four theoretical traditions in the study of American politics – which can be characterized as theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy, Economic Elite Domination, and two types of interest group pluralism, Majoritarian Pluralism and Biased Pluralism – offers different predictions about which sets of actors have how much influence over public policy: average citizens; economic elites; and organized interest groups, mass-based or business-oriented. A great deal of empirical research speaks to the policy influence of one or another set of actors, but until recently it has not been possible to test these contrasting theoretical predictions against each other within a single statistical model. This paper reports on an effort to do so, using a unique data set that includes measures of the key variables for 1,779 policy issues. Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence. The results provide substantial support for theories of Economic Elite Domination and for theories of Biased Pluralism, but not for theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy or Majoritarian Pluralism. The study is by Martin Gilens, Princeton University and Benjamin I. Page, Northwestern University.
A brief overview of what constitutes a politically significant event, what creates one's political perspective, how to deal with different political perspectives, and the differences between fact and opinion.
The ProcessSelection of the research questionIdentificatio.docxarnoldmeredith47041
The ProcessSelection of the research questionIdentification of the methodology to answer that questionResearchDefinition, Description and AnalysisExplanation and Prediction
Good questionsAnswer a puzzleTake part in a debateAdd to the “tree of knowledge”For this class, they should have a comparative dimension“Is” versus “ought” questions
The Comparative method
(Review Ch. 1)Inductive reasoningGoing from the bottom up. Using one case to develop ideas. “Why has Country X slide toward state failure?” Still need to test theoriesDeductive reasoningGoing from the top down. Using logic to generate a number of explanations. “What explains democratization in Asia?” Still need to test theories
Finding patterns or connectionsDependent variable OutcomeIndependent variable Cause (potential)
Q. Why did protests turn violent?
Q. What makes some democracies stable?
CorrelationsCorrelations are associations or a relationship between variablesPositiveNegative
Plotting the correlation shows a relationship exists but it does not necessarily explain the cause. (The “why” question)
Correlation and causationTo show “causation” we first need to show that a correlation existsCorrelations are necessary but not sufficient to prove causationProblems with spurious correlations
Hierarchy of UnderstandingWorld views/FrameworksTheories Generalizations, explanations and predictionsConceptsFacts/Raw data
Hypothesis Assumptions to be tested against the evidenceIt’s your answer to the research question(s) you posed. Descriptive hypothesis (propose a “fact”, test to see if it exists. Need evidence to confirm)Democracy has broad support in RussiaExplanatory hypothesis (seek to explain the fact)Russians support democracy because of their past experience with communism
Hypotheses have to be testableA nonfalsifiable hypothesisWe won because God is on our sideFallacy of composition All Americans are wealthyTautologyArmed conflict caused the civil warReductivism One cause can explain everythingFalse InferenceInfering too much from the data you have
Sources for finding hypotheses
or where do I get my argument?Deduction (literature, logic)Induction (observations, facts)Grounded theory generalize from cases
Both need to be tested
Methodology QuantitativeQualitative
Comparative PoliticsStructured focused comparison
Steps in hypothesis testing1. Define key terms (wealth, elite)2. Identify the Variables (independent/dependent)3. Specify the expectations of the hypothesis. (if….then)4. Collect and examine the evidence5. Draw conclusions from the evidence
Example Puzzle: Has the creation of European institutions and policies led to a shift toward a “European” identity in member states? Descriptive hypothesis…Explanatory hypothesis …Identify variables (I and D) institutions/identitySpecify expectationsCollect and examine evidenceAnalyze evidence
Who Governs?, Robert DahlEconomic power confers political power Tes.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
Bills have a main role in point of sale procedure. It will help to track sales, handling payments and giving receipts to customers. Bill splitting also has an important role in POS. For example, If some friends come together for dinner and if they want to divide the bill then it is possible by POS bill splitting. This slide will show how to split bills in odoo 17 POS.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
7. Deal with various social and political issues:
Education
Taxation
Racial Tensions
How do we effectively deal with these issues?
8.
9. POLITICS
Process or activity through
which power and resources
are gained and lost
GOVERNMENT
System or organization for
exercising authority over a
body of people
10.
11.
12. How do states vary?
Diversity leads to “Why?” questions
Why do states choose to either place or not
place certain taxes on their citizens?
Why do some states resist federal policies while
others embrace them?
14. Value in explaining differences
Qualitative Analysis
Historical or narrative accounts
Quantitative Analysis
Use of numbers, statistics, etc.
15. What is variance?
What are units of analysis?
16.
17. INSTRUCTIONS:
(1) Read your given article silently, taking notes on the issues presented.
(2) Discuss your thoughts with someone in your same group, comparing
your thoughts by rank-ordering the issues by order of importance
(3) Discuss your group’s thoughts with someone with the other piece and
compare your ranks?
20. Idea of variables
Change between cases
Theory Development
What is a theory?
HypothesisTesting
What is a hypothesis?
21. CORRELATION
Association between two
variables
Example:
Illegal Immigration
Border State
How might these be
correlated 0r associated
with one another?
CAUSATION
One variable causes another
Example:
Illegal Immigration
Border State
Do we have causation?
22.
23. What are concepts?
Examples: 1) Social Mobility, 2) Quality of Life
Features of Good Concepts:
#1: Clarity and Coherence
#2: Consistency
#3: Usefulness
24.
25. Absence or presence of a concept
How can we operationalize “social mobility”
and “quality of life?”
26.
27. Attitudes and beliefs broadly shared about the role
and responsibility of government.
Historical styles and traditions in states’ politics.
What people in a group or region:
Generally believe about government and politics
What they think government ought to do
How people should act toward it
