Question 1

Politics can be characterized as

Accepted Answer

Politics involves the interactions and power dynamics between individuals and groups within a society, influencing decision-making and governance.

Question 2

Area studies involves

Accepted Answer

Area studies is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of specific geographic regions, examining their politics, culture, history, and other aspects.

Question 3

Normative inquiry

Accepted Answer

Normative inquiry is concerned with evaluative, prescriptive, or normative statements about how things should be rather than empirical observations of how things actually are. It involves values, ethics, and moral reasoning.

Question 4

Empirical inquiry

Accepted Answer

Empirical inquiry involves collecting data through measurement and observation to understand or explain phenomena, distinguishing it from approaches based on values, philosophies, or specific historical contexts.

Question 5

The case study method of inquiry

Accepted Answer

The case study method of inquiry is characterized by the intensive examination of specific instances or cases, often in a political, social, or educational context, rather than by the manipulation of variables, mathematical analysis of data, or police investigations. This method allows for a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of individual cases.

Question 6

The statistical method

Accepted Answer

Statistical methods in political science and other social sciences involve measurement and observation, coupled with sophisticated mathematical analysis of data, to understand and explain complex phenomena.

Question 7

The experimental method of inquiry in social science involves

Accepted Answer

The experimental method involves the manipulation of variables to study their effects on certain outcomes, which can be challenging in real-world social settings due to ethical, practical, and logistical reasons.

Question 8

The most similar systems research design

Accepted Answer

The most similar systems design involves taking two cases that are essentially similar in many respects but differ in the outcome of interest, and then studying what factors might account for the differences in outcomes. This approach is used to control for as many variables as possible, isolating the effect of the variables of interest.

Question 9

A nation can be defined as

Accepted Answer

A nation is often defined by shared characteristics among its people, such as language, history, or culture, which fosters a sense of identity and unity.

Question 10

A state is

Accepted Answer

A state is defined as an explicitly political entity, characterized by its creation and modification by human actions and agreed-upon boundaries. Choices B and C describe aspects that can be associated with states but do not encompass the full definition of a state.

Question 11

The concept of "sovereignty" refers to

Accepted Answer

Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority within a territory, embodying the idea that there is no higher power above the state itself in terms of making and enforcing laws, including decisions regarding policy.

Question 12

The idea of "legitimacy" suggests that

Accepted Answer

Legitimacy in political science refers to the belief and acceptance by the public that a government has the right to rule and that its decisions and authority are to be obeyed and respected. This concept is crucial for the stability and functioning of political systems, as it reflects the citizens' sense of allegiance and trust in their government's authority and governance.

Question 13

A part of the border between the United States and Mexico

Accepted Answer

The Rio Grande River forms a significant portion of the border between the United States and Mexico.

Question 14

A case study of a nationalist movement within an established nation can be found in:

Accepted Answer

Québec has a well-documented history of nationalist movements seeking greater autonomy or independence from Canada, making it a notable case study for such movements within established nations.

Question 15

The concept of "levels of analysis" deals with

Accepted Answer

The concept of "levels of analysis" refers to the different ways in which observations and measurements can be made in the study of political science, and the conclusions that can be drawn from those observations. It does not specifically relate to the structure of government, the nature of political entities, or assumptions about the universality of political institutions.

Question 16

Individual level data can be illustrated by

Accepted Answer

Individual level data refers to data that is specific to an individual, such as someone's height, rather than aggregated data or averages that represent groups or populations.

Question 17

Ecological or Aggregate level data can be illustrated by

Accepted Answer

Ecological or aggregate level data refers to data that is collected and analyzed at a group or population level, rather than at the individual level. Choice C, "the average number of years of education of citizens in a nation," is an example of aggregate data because it summarizes the educational attainment of a population as a whole, rather than focusing on individual educational outcomes.

Question 18

Political ethnocentrism refers to

Accepted Answer

Political ethnocentrism is the assumption that political systems operate similarly across different contexts, particularly from a Western perspective, without considering cultural and societal differences.

Question 19

The concept of the political system refers to

Accepted Answer

The concept of the political system encompasses broader aspects than just elections, residency requirements, or the linkages between voters and their representatives. It refers to the comprehensive framework of political objects or concepts that are interconnected in a theoretical and analytical manner, including institutions, processes, and structures that define political interaction within a society.

Question 20

Political systems can be said to be composed of numerous

Accepted Answer

Political systems are composed of various subsystems, which include different branches of government, political parties, interest groups, and other entities that play a role in the political process.

Quiz 1: Comparative Political Analysis: An Introduction