IR 6601 Research Methods
Terms questions(solved &
verified for accuracy)
Theory - answer is an idea about reality that includes a cause and
effect. The democratic peace theory is a good example in
international relations scholarship.
Method - answer is a systematic approach to assessing a theory in
international relations scholarship. A method is a research approach
that allows scholars to assess evidence to see whether or not it
confirms to a theory. The four basic methods in international
relations scholarship are the case study, comparative method,
large-n statistical analysis, and formal models.
Unit of Analysis - answer is the actual observed subject in a
methodological approach; it is the elements directly examined in
the methodological model. In most international relations
scholarship, the unit-of-analysis is the individual state.
Causal Mechanism - answer is the element that brings about the
observed change. The causal mechanism is the mechanism that
produces change. It identifies the reasons behind observed change
in the international system. A properly-specified research project
will identify the causal mechanism in the theory. In international
relations scholarship, the causal mechanism must be the same in all
cases that are simultaneously included in a study.
Necessary Cause - answer is something that must be present for a
given outcome but its presence alone does not bring about the
change. If a necessary cause is present, the outcome may or may
not take place. If the necessary cause is absent, the outcome cannot
take place. A necessary cause can be identified through
Terms questions(solved &
verified for accuracy)
Theory - answer is an idea about reality that includes a cause and
effect. The democratic peace theory is a good example in
international relations scholarship.
Method - answer is a systematic approach to assessing a theory in
international relations scholarship. A method is a research approach
that allows scholars to assess evidence to see whether or not it
confirms to a theory. The four basic methods in international
relations scholarship are the case study, comparative method,
large-n statistical analysis, and formal models.
Unit of Analysis - answer is the actual observed subject in a
methodological approach; it is the elements directly examined in
the methodological model. In most international relations
scholarship, the unit-of-analysis is the individual state.
Causal Mechanism - answer is the element that brings about the
observed change. The causal mechanism is the mechanism that
produces change. It identifies the reasons behind observed change
in the international system. A properly-specified research project
will identify the causal mechanism in the theory. In international
relations scholarship, the causal mechanism must be the same in all
cases that are simultaneously included in a study.
Necessary Cause - answer is something that must be present for a
given outcome but its presence alone does not bring about the
change. If a necessary cause is present, the outcome may or may
not take place. If the necessary cause is absent, the outcome cannot
take place. A necessary cause can be identified through
