alright so i took this course as my elective .. im not even in poli sci!
i thought this course is interesting!! no doubt it is … but its v tough at the same time!!
our teacher has given us this term paper .. and for tht we have to make proposal first!
we have to make hypothesis between two variables and predict wht would be the outcome of their relationship!
I chose Indo-Pak conflict! 1947 war on Kashmir!
we had to either make a case on inter state conflict or peace!
i chose conflict!
I have to find out what is the cause of conflict / war?" and then try to find historical events that prove my hypothesis.
so far wht i know is that my dependent variable will be conflict, I need to find out the independent variable which is wht was the cause tht triggered the war. (I tried to look for the cause of indo Pak war .. it seems to me there is more than one cause)
anyhow, if anyone can just help me a lil bit with this … ill very much appreciate!
cuz the outline kinda goes over my head! …
here is the outline … **I have to write step1,2 3 in BRIEF FORM!!
Step 1.
**1. Propose a simple hypothesis between two variables.
a. It should have a single independent and dependent variable (keep it simple and abstract – do not refer to the case at all).
b. Ensure that the independent variable varies: don’t try to predict the weather (the dependent variable which varies from good or bad), from a rock (an independent variable that stays constant all the time). It is better to use a barometer, which varies from low to high pressure.
c. For example: High/low pressure fronts cause rain.
d. Determine the opposite implication of the thesis statement: if there is no high/low pressure (IV), then it is less likely there will be rain (DV).
e. Select an alternative explanation: what other theories explain victory?
**Step 2.
**2. Explain the relationship in the hypothesis using your own (or borrowed and cited explanations). This should have two or three explanatory elements.
a. Poverty creates pro-war political groups.
b. Ambiguous threats create misperceptions among leaders.
c. Institutions create peace by decreasing transaction costs.
3. Provide definitions for key indicators, like close-in protection, aircraft, tanks, etc.
4. Do not refer to the case anywhere you are developing your theory.
**Step 3.
**5. Select an historical case and examine to see whether the elements are present and to see whether the hypothesis holds true. This should be about half of the paper.
6. You are testing your hypothesis here. Ensure that the case you select is relevant (e.g.: tanks used in a battle).
thanks so much guys!! … looking forward to your replies!
the teacher made it very clear i better make this interesting! I wish I couldv told him that this is my first time taking any poli sci course!
he is weird! I would ask him questions and he would just reply by saying “EXACTLY,YES OR NO” so not clear abt wht he wants us to do!