Understanding Rational Choice Theory

Legalism = examines the function of law as an essential element in governing states Structuralism = refers to how institutionalists compare the entire political system Holism = examines how political structures determine behavior Historicism = explores how institutions affect behavior in relation to formal rules or procedures

Old Institutionalism = emerged during post-World War II as a critique of old constitutionalism New Institutionalism = studies how an institution's formal rules or procedures shape the decision-making behavior of political actors Normative Institutionalism = refers to how an institution's codes of standard and appropriate behavior guide and seek the consensus of its actors Historicism = explores how political systems are formed through their historical, social, economic, and cultural structures

Institutionalism = studies how an institution's formal rules or procedures shape the decision-making behavior of political actors Psychoanalysis = explores how political systems are formed through their historical, social, economic, and cultural structures Normative analysis = examines values and beliefs and emphasizes the importance of having a 'good government' Psychoanalytic theory = suggests that personality develops through stages that we are not always consciously aware of

<p>Sigmund Freud = suggests that personality develops through stages that we are not always consciously aware of Unknown = explores how institutions affect behavior in relation to formal rules or procedures</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Old Institutionalism = formal rules or procedures New Institutionalism = critique of old constitutionalism Normative Institutionalism = codes of standard and appropriate behavior Historicism = historical, social, economic, and cultural structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Normative analysis = examines values and beliefs and emphasizes the importance of having a 'good government' Historicism = explores how political systems are formed through their historical, social, economic, and cultural structures Structuralism = examines how political structures determine behavior Holism = refers to how institutionalists compare the entire political system</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individuals are assumed to know all possible options = Underplays the value of norms, habits, and cultural factors Macro-level structures can be explained by rational decision-making individuals = Simplistic and minimalist modelling of human behavior Focuses on utility maximization = Importance of informed decision-making Beliefs and preferences ensure utility maximization = Reduction of errors that may lead to poor outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Institution = Established system where members adhere to rules Political Institution = Government or state Economic Institution = Industries, business corporations, or the market Educational Institution = Schools</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rational choice theory = Focuses on how actors decide based on satisfaction or happiness Institutionalism = Study of how institutions shape social, economic, and political decisions Institution = An established system with specific rules or norms Critique of Rational Choice Theory = Underplays the role of norms and cultural influences</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individuals maximized their utility. = Rational Choice Theory Businesses use it for designing products and services. = Rational Choice Theory Humans are assumed to be goal-oriented. = Rational Choice Theory Does not explain 'irrational' behavior. = Rational Choice Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Provides insight into decision-making process. = Strength of Rational Choice Theory Businesses find it useful for product design. = Strength of Rational Choice Theory Implies individuals are selfish. = Weakness of Rational Choice Theory Doesn't consider 'irrational' behavior reasons. = Weakness of Rational Choice Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individuals choose based on beliefs and preferences. = Rational Choice Theory Actors seek greatest satisfaction/happiness. = Rational Choice Theory Consider alternatives in relation to constraints. = Rational Choice Theory Individuals assume they know all possible choices. = Rational Choice Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers