1
Poli 105 Exam 1 Questions with Answers (100% Correct
Answers)
International Relations Answer: theoretical studies of politics
Social Science Theory Answer: General logical explanations of social
phenomena
IR Theory Answer: Explanations that can be generally applied across
cases: logical, with good, empirical evidence
predictive
A theory should: Answer: -Provide a casual explanation
-Use empirical evidence
-Make a general argument
IR theory seeks to be... Answer: Parsimonious
Parsimony Answer: Least amount of variance in the explanation of the
outcome.
The more you add the hard it is to falsify.
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,2
Theoretical Degeneration Answer: To add to the independent or add
more independent variables.
Hurts the strength of the explanation and parsimony.
Levels of Analysis according to Kenneth Waltz (Man, the State, and
War) Answer: 1. Individual Level
2. State Level
3. Systematic or Structural
Individual Level Answer: Great Man Theory
Great Man Theory Answer: Cause is found in individuals or small
groups based on their characteristics. THEY CAUSE
Hitler, Saddam, Bush
State Level Answer: Whatever goes on in the state or is attributed to
the state is casual. Considered unit level, not structure (but units within
a structure)
Systematic or Structural Level Answer: Structure of any given stystem is
what matters as an independent variable
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, 3
Goldstein's Third Level Answer: Divided into the interstate and global
levels
Joseph Lepgold's Policy/Theory Debate Answer: 1. IR is composed of
many groups
2.Institutions support integration
3. Shared goals of these groups make better policies based on good
assumptions. (Help the statesmen to help the state)
4. Some theories are more helpful
Paradigm Answer: Set of practices that define a scientific discipline at
any particular period
Realism and where it came from Answer: -Emphasizes military and
economic power over institutions or idea: differentiates states int he
terms of powers, middle powers, small powers.
-Came from practical reaction to idealism
Who does power matter for? Answer: All realists
Who does power matter for a lot? Answer: Classical Realists
© 2025 All rights reserved
Poli 105 Exam 1 Questions with Answers (100% Correct
Answers)
International Relations Answer: theoretical studies of politics
Social Science Theory Answer: General logical explanations of social
phenomena
IR Theory Answer: Explanations that can be generally applied across
cases: logical, with good, empirical evidence
predictive
A theory should: Answer: -Provide a casual explanation
-Use empirical evidence
-Make a general argument
IR theory seeks to be... Answer: Parsimonious
Parsimony Answer: Least amount of variance in the explanation of the
outcome.
The more you add the hard it is to falsify.
© 2025 All rights reserved
,2
Theoretical Degeneration Answer: To add to the independent or add
more independent variables.
Hurts the strength of the explanation and parsimony.
Levels of Analysis according to Kenneth Waltz (Man, the State, and
War) Answer: 1. Individual Level
2. State Level
3. Systematic or Structural
Individual Level Answer: Great Man Theory
Great Man Theory Answer: Cause is found in individuals or small
groups based on their characteristics. THEY CAUSE
Hitler, Saddam, Bush
State Level Answer: Whatever goes on in the state or is attributed to
the state is casual. Considered unit level, not structure (but units within
a structure)
Systematic or Structural Level Answer: Structure of any given stystem is
what matters as an independent variable
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 3
Goldstein's Third Level Answer: Divided into the interstate and global
levels
Joseph Lepgold's Policy/Theory Debate Answer: 1. IR is composed of
many groups
2.Institutions support integration
3. Shared goals of these groups make better policies based on good
assumptions. (Help the statesmen to help the state)
4. Some theories are more helpful
Paradigm Answer: Set of practices that define a scientific discipline at
any particular period
Realism and where it came from Answer: -Emphasizes military and
economic power over institutions or idea: differentiates states int he
terms of powers, middle powers, small powers.
-Came from practical reaction to idealism
Who does power matter for? Answer: All realists
Who does power matter for a lot? Answer: Classical Realists
© 2025 All rights reserved
