POLSC221: Introduction to Comparative Politics

1.1: Social Science Basics

• 1.1.1: The Scientific Method and History of Scientific Inquiry

  • Anol Bhattacherjee's "Social Science Research, Chapter 1: Science and Scientific Research" URL

    As you read Chapter 1, be sure you understand what differentiates the study of natural science from that of social science. You should also be able to distinguish between exploratory, explanatory, and descriptive research. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the following terms: rationalism, positivism, antipositivism, post-positivism, and critical theory.

• 1.1.2: Social Science Theory and Reasoning

  • Anol Bhattacherjee's "Social Science Research, Chapter 2: Thinking Like a Researcher" URL

    As you read Chapter 2, be sure you have a clear understanding of the following terms: theory, unt of analysis, variable, independent variable, dependent variable, intervening variable, deduction, and induction.