POLS 242 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Argumentation Theory, Comparative Politics, Confirmation Bias
17 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
The challenge of measurement: errors, biases, and validity. Thinking comparatively: qualities of good analysis and argumentation. Theories generally have some support for its arguments in the real world things happen as they do. More than just a guess about what will happen. In comparative politics, theories are explanations for why. A specific prediction that can be tested against empirical evidence. Specific hypotheses are often derived from a theory. In comparative politics, hypotheses are often about a certain case or set of cases. Formulating hypotheses is developing possible answers to a research question. Move from general theories to specific observations or predictions about a set of cases. We can often learn from deviant cases that do not fit the pattern predicted by a given theory. A thesis can then help us contribute to building theory (inductive process) Alternative theories to explain the same observed facts. Exceptions to the rules exist for most social theories.
