Writing Question
Instructions
1. Formulate a Puzzle and a Question
– Develop a compelling puzzle and formulate a research question. Refer to Chapter 1 for exemplary questions and major questions for each chapter.
– Example: What causes democratization? (Refer to Chapter 6)
– Here, democratization is the dependent variable because it is the effect/outcome.
2. Form a Hypothesis
– Ensure your hypothesis establishes a causal relationship. Refer to Chapter 2 for guidance.
– Example: The modernization theory hypothesizes that economic development leads to democracy. (Refer to Chapter 6)
– In this example, economic development is the independent variable as it causes democratization (the effect).
3. Select Cases to Test Your Hypothesis
– Select two cases to test your hypothesis, ensuring you justify your selection with the comparative method you choose: Most-Similar Systems Design or Most-Different Systems Design (Refer to Chapter 1).
– The cases you pick must be different from those used in the chapter you selected for your theme.
– Example: Chapter 6 uses Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, India, and the US. Therefore, you cannot use these cases if you are investigating democratization.
– To know these cases, check the PowerPoint slides, generally the third slide, and look at the “Thinking Comparatively” and “Cases in Context” sections.
4. Define Variables and Concepts
– Clearly define both the dependent and independent variables and related concepts.
– Briefly discuss existing theories and explain why the theory you chose is suitable for the cases you selected.
5. Operationalize and Measure Variables
– Operationalize and measure the variables with empirical evidence. You can use existing datasets for this purpose.
– Examples: Use Freedom House or V-Dem datasets for the level of democracy, and the World Bank dataset for economic development.
6. Paper Length and Format
– The paper must be a minimum of 1000 words but no more than 1250 words (excluding the bibliography).
– Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with normal margins.
– Follow the Chicago Manual of Style for in-text citations.
7. Structure of Your Paper
– Write a well-structured paper that includes an introduction, body (main arguments), and conclusion.
– Ensure proper citations throughout and include a separate bibliography page.
– Your paper should include an original argument that contributes new knowledge, rather than merely reproducing existing information. Remember, this is not a book report or an opinion piece.
8. Sources
– Use at least one book (not the textbook) and two academic articles.
– Note that Wikipedia and SparkNotes are not considered academic sources.
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