Question 1

Which of the following questions is an empirical research question ?

Accepted Answer

Empirical research questions are those that can be answered through observation, experimentation, or other data collection methods. Option A asks about the impact of increased spending on election outcomes, which can be studied by gathering and analyzing data on election spending and results.

Question 2

If a person believes it's problematic to have money as the sole source of power within a country, what could a political scientist offer as a counterargument?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a person believes it's problematic to...

Question 3

Someone who believes abortion should be deemed illegal because of their religious beliefs is employing what type of methodology?

Accepted Answer

Normativism is the belief that ethical principles are based on reason and logic, rather than on personal opinion or religious beliefs.

Question 4

What type of political scientist would be most interested in the voting phenomenon known as split-ticket voting?

Accepted Answer

Behavioralists focus on the actions and behaviors of individuals within the political system, including voting patterns such as split-ticket voting.

Question 5

A peer-reviewed political science journal published an article that discusses the impact a new oil distribution approach has on economic success in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. What subfield of political science would this study fall under?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A peer-reviewed political science journal published an...

Question 6

What example would someone use to support the hypothesis that politics exemplifies bad human nature?

Accepted Answer

Increased polarization is often cited as an example of how politics can bring out negative aspects of human nature, such as divisiveness and an unwillingness to compromise.

Question 7

Describe three factors needed for a democratic form of government to survive. In your response, detail why they are needed and the outcome(s)should they not be achieved or included.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe three factors needed for a democratic...

Question 8

Explain one way in which politics can bring out the worst in human nature. In your answer, consider the example of Eichmann.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain one way in which politics can...

Question 9

D escribe one difference between normativism and positivism, the two major methodologies employed by political scientists. In your a nswer, consider the definition of these two methodologies and what they strive to accomplish.

Accepted Answer

The answer of D escribe one difference between normativism and...

Question 10

Which of the following is a complaint about the positivist methodology in political science?

Accepted Answer

Positivist methodology in political science is often criticized for focusing solely on observable facts and empirical data, which can limit its ability to provide solutions to complex political problems that require interpretation beyond mere observation.

Question 11

How can politics bring out the best in human nature? In your response, consider the actions of Oskar Schindler.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How can politics bring out the best...

Question 12

Explain the main difference between possessing power and possessing authority. Consider in your response what each requires from those ruling and those being ruled.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the main difference between possessing power...

Question 13

Define the concept of politics. In your definition, consider Lasswell's description of political science: "Who gets what, when, how."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the concept of politics. In your...

Question 14

What drives big political movements?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What drives big political movements?
...

Question 15

When it comes to sovereignty, describe the difference between a republican form of government and a monarchical form of government.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When it comes to sovereignty, describe the...

Question 16

If a person holding an hourly wage job was observed to vote for the same political party over and over again because that political party repeatedly voted to increase the minimum wage, what type of behavior would a political scientist attribute this to?

Accepted Answer

This behavior is attributed to rational choice theory, where individuals are presumed to act in their own best interest. In this case, the person votes for a political party that supports increasing the minimum wage, directly benefiting their financial situation.

Quiz 1: Introduction: the Study of Politics