Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a step to study a theory?
Which of the following is NOT a step to study a theory?
- Apply the theory to real-life situations (correct)
- Identify the research question
- Develop a hypothesis
- Conduct empirical research
What is the primary purpose of a theory?
What is the primary purpose of a theory?
- To describe a phenomenon
- To predict a phenomenon
- To explain a phenomenon (correct)
- To control a phenomenon
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a political institution from a general institution?
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a political institution from a general institution?
- It is a type of informal institution
- It has a formal structure
- It is a social organization
- It is involved in policy-making (correct)
Which type of institution is characterized by a lack of formal rules and norms?
Which type of institution is characterized by a lack of formal rules and norms?
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the relationship between institutions and theories?
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the relationship between institutions and theories?
Which of the following is an example of a formal institution?
Which of the following is an example of a formal institution?
What is the primary difference between a formal and an informal institution?
What is the primary difference between a formal and an informal institution?
What is the purpose of studying theories in the context of institutions?
What is the purpose of studying theories in the context of institutions?
Which of the following is an example of an institution that is both formal and political?
Which of the following is an example of an institution that is both formal and political?
Which of the following types of theories is most likely to focus on the study of institutions?
Which of the following types of theories is most likely to focus on the study of institutions?
Study Notes
Institutions
- An institution is a established and organized system that has a particular purpose or function.
- A political institution is a system or organization that has a role in the governance of a state or country.
Types of Institutions
- Formal institutions: these are established and recognized by a government or authority, and are often written down in laws, rules, or regulations. Examples include governments, courts, and schools.
- Informal institutions: these are unwritten rules, norms, and customs that are not necessarily recognized by a government or authority, but still have an impact on human behavior and interaction. Examples include social norms, traditions, and cultural values.
Theories
- A theory is a well-substantiated explanation for a set of phenomena, often based on a set of hypotheses, laws, or principles.
- To study a theory, follow these steps:
- Define the theory and its key concepts
- Identify the theory's assumptions and limitations
- Analyze the theory's strengths and weaknesses
- Evaluate the theory's applications and implications
- Compare the theory to other theories
- There are different types of theories, including:
- Descriptive theories: explain what is
- Explanatory theories: explain why
- Predictive theories: forecast what will happen
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of institutions, including their definitions and types, as well as an introduction to theories, including how to study them and their different types.
