1 Foundations of Comparative Politics Free Online FlashCards

What is comparative politics?

Comparative politics systematically compares political life within and across countries to describe and explain similarities and differences.

What is a case in comparative research?

A case is the unit being studied, such as a country, province, election, party, policy, or historical period.

What is the logic of a most-similar systems design?

A most-similar systems design compares cases similar on relevant characteristics but different in an outcome or key explanatory factor.

What can a single-case study contribute?

A single-case study investigates one case in depth and can clarify concepts, develop hypotheses, or examine how a proposed cause and outcome are connected.

What political topics does comparative politics study?

It studies states and institutions, regimes, elections, parties, social movements, and public policy.

How do comparative politics and international relations often differ in focus?

Comparative politics often focuses on domestic politics; international relations often focuses on interactions among states. The boundary is not absolute.

What distinguishes an outcome from an independent variable?

The outcome, or dependent variable, is what the study seeks to explain; independent variables are proposed explanations or causes.

What should guide case selection?

Researchers select cases to fit the question, theory, and available evidence. Selection affects what can be learned and how widely findings may apply.

What is the logic of a most-different systems design?

A most-different systems design compares cases that differ in many respects but share an outcome, looking for a possible common cause or process.

How do typical and deviant cases differ?

A typical case helps examine a common pattern; a deviant case departs from an expected pattern and may reveal gaps in a theory.

What does process tracing investigate?

Process tracing examines evidence about the sequence of events and mechanisms within a case.

What is a key challenge of small-N comparisons?

Small-N comparisons study a few selected cases in depth, but researchers must be cautious about considering many possible causes with few cases.