Glossary
Causation
A cause-and-effect relationship where a change in one variable directly leads to a change in another variable.
Example:
If a government's new policy directly leads to a measurable decrease in unemployment, this demonstrates causation.
Correlation
An association or relationship between two or more variables, where they tend to change together, but one does not necessarily cause the other.
Example:
Observing that countries with higher internet access also tend to have higher levels of political participation shows a correlation, but not necessarily that one causes the other.
Dependent Variable
The variable in a research study that is being measured or observed, and whose value is expected to change in response to other variables.
Example:
In a study examining the impact of voter education campaigns on election turnout, election turnout would be the dependent variable.
Empirical Data
Factual evidence gathered through observation or experimentation, representing the 'what is' in political science.
Example:
When political scientists analyze voter turnout rates from the last election, they are using empirical data to understand actual behavior.
Failed (or Fragile) States Index (FSI)
An annual ranking of countries based on their vulnerability to collapse or conflict, assessing social, economic, and political pressures.
Example:
Nigeria's position on the Failed States Index indicates ongoing challenges with internal stability and governance.
Freedom House
An independent watchdog organization that measures the levels of political rights and civil liberties, or 'freedom,' worldwide.
Example:
According to Freedom House, Iran consistently ranks low due to its restrictions on political dissent and press freedom.
Gini Index
A statistical measure of income inequality within a country, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 100 (perfect inequality).
Example:
A high Gini Index in Mexico suggests a significant gap between the rich and the poor, indicating substantial income inequality.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.
Example:
China's rapidly growing Gross Domestic Product reflects its massive economic output and increasing global economic influence.
Human Development Index (HDI)
A composite index created by the UN that measures a country's average achievements in three basic dimensions of human development: health (life expectancy), education (schooling), and living standards (income).
Example:
Comparing the Human Development Index of Nigeria and the UK reveals significant differences in their citizens' overall well-being and opportunities.
Normative Data
Conceptualized data based on norms, values, or opinions, reflecting the 'what should be' in political science.
Example:
A debate about whether a country should prioritize economic growth over environmental protection involves normative data and ethical considerations.
Qualitative Analysis
A research method that involves detailed, subjective analysis of a small number of cases, often focusing on in-depth understanding.
Example:
Interviewing a small group of political activists to understand their motivations and experiences in detail is a form of qualitative analysis.
Quantitative Analysis
A research method that analyzes a large number of cases using statistical techniques to identify patterns and relationships.
Example:
Studying how many citizens voted for different parties across all regions of a country to find statistical trends is an example of quantitative analysis.
Transparency International
A global non-governmental organization that works to combat corruption and promote accountability, known for its Corruption Perception Index.
Example:
The annual report from Transparency International often highlights countries like Russia as having significant challenges with public sector corruption.