Summary
Contents
Subject index
This book is designed for students of Politics and International Relations at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. It provides explanations of fifty core concepts in political research methods and, uniquely, explains how these methods can be used in International Relations. Where relevant, alternative research concepts and strategies are suggested. Each ‘concept’ will incorporate a simple definition, a focused explanation, an examination of key debates and areas of research, along with cross-references to other related concepts. This format allows students and researchers alike to utilise the text either as a companion to specific modules, or on a ‘dip into’ basis. Key Features: - Provides an overview of the place of each concept in Politics and International Relations under the headings: meaning, origins and current usage. - Concepts are grouped into sections corresponding to the main themes usually covered in teaching. - Relevant concepts in the book are emboldened and linked by listing at the end of each concept - Guidance is provided to further reading on each of the concepts discussed.
Rational Choice
Rational Choice
It is important to include the rational choice approach here as, unlike many political theories, it lends itself to particular methodological concerns and tools. As with some of the other methodological approaches deemed important for understanding political research methods, we can see interdisciplinary links – in this case with economics. This overlap is epitomized by Downs’ (1957) classic text on competition between parties, while other arenas of politics addressed by rational choice include coalition theory (Riker, 1962), collective action (Olsen, 1971) and bureaucracy (Niskanen, 1971).
‘Rational choice’ is a generic term for a number of more specific models and explanations, such as public choice theory and game theory. It emerged as a part of the rise in behaviouralism (Ward, 2002: 65). Game theory ...
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