Question 1

Highlight similarities and differences in how Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke view political power.

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Question 2

Why does Aristotle argue that political debate is the most highly valued political skill? What does it take to win a political policy debate? How can learning debate skills influence public policy?

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Question 3

Which of the following disciplines are considered social sciences, and what do they communally seek to understand?

Accepted Answer

Anthropology, criminology, and political science are all social sciences focused on understanding various aspects of human behavior, societies, and cultures, distinguishing them from natural sciences like physics or biology, which are not primarily focused on these areas.

Question 4

Which approach to fighting terrorism in Afghanistan requires the United States to assist in Afghanistan's economic and political development?

Accepted Answer

Counterinsurgency involves a comprehensive approach that includes military, political, and economic efforts to defeat insurgency and includes assisting in the economic and political development of affected areas.

Question 5

Which methodological approach links experimental and quantitative data-driven analysis to an ethical responsibility to ask important questions affecting citizens?

Accepted Answer

Postbehavioralism emphasizes combining rigorous data analysis with a commitment to addressing significant societal issues, reflecting an ethical concern for the public good.

Question 6

What are demographics, and how are they used by political scientists?

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Question 7

Describe some of the correlations associated with voting behavior in presidential elections over the past two decades. What political generalizations about voting behavior can be made as it relates to race/ethnicity, gender, and education?

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Question 8

Which methodological approach in the field of political science avoids numerical or quantitative analysis, seeking value judgments instead?

Accepted Answer

Traditionalism in political science emphasizes qualitative analysis over quantitative, focusing on philosophical, normative, and historical approaches rather than numerical data. This method seeks to understand political phenomena through a lens that often includes value judgments and interpretations, contrasting with the empirical focus of approaches like behavioralism.

Question 9

What differences do scholars find between the judicial decisions of men and women justices?

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Question 10

Which of the following refers to a social science researcher who makes an educated guess based on previously understood facts?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis in social science research is an educated guess or proposition that attempts to explain certain phenomena or relationships based on previously understood facts or theories. It is a foundational element in conducting scientific research, allowing researchers to test and validate their assumptions through empirical evidence.

Question 11

In the context of globalization, explain how the manufacturing of cell phones impacts people living in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Question 12

What is the difference between hard power and soft power? Give an example of the use of each.

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Question 13

Political science has historically been divided into three major methodological traditions: traditionalism, behavioralism, and postbehavioralism. Describe each of these approaches. How are they different? How are they related?

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Question 14

Which methodological approach uses mathematical or statistical models to explain different kinds of political and social behavior without a strong commitment to values?

Accepted Answer

Behavioralism focuses on the empirical and methodological study of political behavior, often using statistical models to explain patterns and trends without necessarily incorporating normative judgments or values.

Question 15

According to Aristotle, what political ability is most highly valued because it allows us to put reason into action?

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Question 16

What kind of approach seeks to determine how one "ought" to do something?

Accepted Answer

Normative approaches are concerned with establishing standards or norms for how things ought to be or how one ought to act, focusing on ethical, moral, or ideal standards.

Question 17

What are the different areas of research in political science? Why are theories such an important part of political science research? Which area of research do you find most compelling, and why?

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Question 18

Describe three different political systems, economic systems, or political ideologies. What do they have in common? What is different about them?

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Quiz 1: Why Politics Matters