Theories, Hypothesis and Variables

• Theories can be tested or untested, and everyone has their own

Key Research Terms

• Empirics are observations from our five senses that can be experienced personally.
• Observations should be repeatable by others to verify reliability and accuracy.
• Observations should be viewed objectively to determine if they are true or false.
• A hypothesis is a guess that explains the causes or processes of a particular observation between two or more events.
• A theory is one step above a hypothesis, and is a generalized explanation.
• A scientific law is an unbreakable truth that forms the basis of subsequent science.
• Proof generally implies a conclusive determination of an answer.
• Proof requires deductive argumentation based on accepted true axioms.
• Evidence generally implies support for a particular position.

Variables

• A dependent variable relies on something/ changes in something else, and is usually the effect.
• An independent variable is usually the cause.
• An intervening variable is an intervention.
• The importance of explaining variable changes is not constant.

Organizing Theories in IR

• Theories can be organized by categories like:
• Author
• Dependent variables
• Independent variables
• Region/historical time period
• Philosophical origin

Levels of Analysis

• Analysis can be done in three levels:
• Individual
• State
• System

Individual Characteristics:

• Variables make people different, like choices, race, gender, ethnic background, nationality, etc.
• Personality of leaders, perception of leaders, choices made at the individual level are important.

State Characteristics

• Type of government (democracy etc.)
• Type of economic system
• Type of institutions, existence of institutions
• Geographical factors, size, resources of the state (e.g., Japan as an island state, China as a continental state)
• Economic characteristics, number of people working

System Characteristics

• Focus on different world/system that existed
• Organizing principles between states
• Number and type of non-state global actors
• Breadth of global civil society
• Number and type of states

Examples of State and Individual actions

• Saddam Hussein committed human rights atrocities = Individual
• The United States has the responsibility to protect citizens from another country due to military power, size, and representation of Western values = State

Paradigms of International Relations

• Paradigms are based on a set of assumptions from people who share the same views
• Paradigms encompass a worldview, agreement on basic analysis units, key problems, and a theory or set of theories for explanation
• Examples include: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism
• Theories under these paradigms range from the most agreeable to the least agreeable

Realism

• Basic assumption is that the world is inherently conflictual
• Dominant actors are nation-states
• Focuses on understanding why problems occur more at sometime and less at some time
• Practical problems involve mitigating conflict or protecting oneself from conflict and its consequences

Liberalism

• Cooperation is more common
• Dominant actors are individuals with rights/freedom
• Focuses on understanding why cooperation occurs or doesn't, and the role of international society (individuals)
• Examines how individuals create institutions and how these institutions influence the role of states

Constructivism

• The world exists only in our perception; it is created and not objective
• States exist because of shared beliefs
• Focuses on ideas and perceptions

Epistemology and Ontology

• Ontology explores what the world is, what is real, and what exists
• Epistemology examines how we can know something and determine its truth

Positivism and Post-Positivism

• Positivism aligns with realism/liberalism
• Post-positivism aligns with constructivism/critical theory
• Critical Theory and constructivism are more aligned to post-positivism, while liberalism and realism are more to positivism

Basic Theories

Neo-Realism:

• Anarchy exists due to no authority above the state, and no world government/police
• The international system is anarchic, and states are sovereign/responsible
• State and security are key
• Might Makes Right - States attempt to gain as much power as possible, constrained by other states
• A stable system exists in a balance of power when conflict occurs

Radicalism (Marxism)

• Class is the most important variable/distinction
• Focuses on imperialism and the cycle of dependency

Neo-liberalism

• Examines cooperation and peace, and why states mostly exist in peace.
• Explores why some countries don't enter into conflict despite anarchy

Feminism