CONCEPT, THEORY, CASE Deciphering the Differences 1

Outline 1. Definitions 2. Debates in Academia 3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Approaches 4. Applying Theory to Case 2

1. Definitions – Concept  A concept is one word, or phrase, that suggests an abstract idea or phenomenon in the social sciences.  Concepts are highly contested (think about this in light of your literature review).  Concepts can be ambiguous – thus a major task in theoretical writing is to clarify our understanding of them, especially in your essays  Concepts are building blocks for theory – it is important to be clear what you mean when you use them! 3

-Think about the concept of authoritarianism/non-democratic regimes. What do you understand by it? -In your opinion, what are its components? -What are the similarities/differences of your definitions? -Anyone??? Class exercise: What is Nationalism? 4

1. Definitions – Theory  Theories are an attempt to logically and systematically explain real-life phenomena in an accessible and clear way. 5

1. Definitions – Theory  Theories have different functions:  Make generalizations i.e. grand theories try to explain how the world works e.g. Marxism or Modernization  Build hypotheses to be tested through empirical research  Explain/identify potential causal mechanisms and other relationships between different phenomena 6

1. Definitions – Model  Models are mid-level theories that are restricted to specific phenomena.  They work as analytical tools, simplifying specific phenomena, and use a set of specific concepts to look at a phenomenon.  They are often based on greater theories, however, scholars with different theoretical standpoints can use the same models as tools of analysis.  Example: Bellin’s model of the coersive appartus. Is this a model 7

1. Definitions – Variable  Variables are concepts that are defined in such a way that they can be observed and/or measured in some way.  Variables can be evaluated in terms of to their validity and reliability.  We distinguish between dependent and independent variables. 8

2. Debates in Academia? Academia is all about debates – can you think of some? Theories evolve over time and with debates. 9

Scholarly Debates in Com Pol  Is democratic emergence endogenous or exogenous in terms of development?  Is national identity the central identity of our global system?  i.e. Religious identity replaced by state identity  What best explains the endurance of authoritarian regimes?  Is there a practical difference between pressure groups and political parties? 10

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Approaches - Quantitative and qualitative approaches often ask and answer different questions, so that they may conceptualise ideas/phenomena differently despite often using the same words. - When using a quantitative approach, scholars must use concepts in a way in which they are quantifiable. - Qualitative approaches can allow for much broader conceptualisations. 11

Class exercise: Conceptualising “Democracy” for a Qualitative and a Quantitative Study QualitativeQuantitative 12

What are some of the differences between quantitative methods and qualitative methods? 13 Quantitative  Tests hypothesis.  Concepts are in the form of measurable variables.  Data is in the form of numbers.  The analysis often uses statistics, tables and charts. Qualitative  May start with an initial hypothesis, but could also gather initial data and then formulate a hypothesis.  Concepts are often ideas that are substantiated by observation or interviews.  Data is often in the form of words and images.  The analysis involves extracting themes from evidence.

4. Applying theory to case.  In this course, we apply different theories and models, employing different concepts, to analyse specific events in history, i.e. cases.  Theories and models by definition are analytical tools that simplify the “reality” of a case in order to make it analysable.  Thus, different theoretical lenses simplify cases in different ways, and thus can shed light on different aspects of a conflict, as they ask questions differently. 14

Conclusion  What is a…  …concept?  …theory?  …model?  …variable?  What makes good research?  Is quantitative always better than qualitative?  What is the use of applying theories to a case? 15