Simmons (2009) – chapter 7 POLS 329
Comprehension Checks:
“Humane Treatment: The Prevalence and Prevention of Torture”
For each comprehension check, DO NOT PASS GO (do not collect $200, etc.) until you are sure you got “the
point” of the section.
Check 1: Introduction
What is the crucial difference between gender or children’s issues and torture?
Answer: The crucial difference between gender or children’s issues and torture is that torture is often
seen as tool governments have to maintain control, security, and/or political power, whereas issues
related to gender or children generally do not challenge the state’s authority in this way.
What is the main finding of the chapter? (Hint: the “something quite interesting”)
Answer: The main finding is that governments of partially accountable or transitioning democracies are
less likely to use torture if they have made a public commitment to the CAT than similar governments
that have not, where such commitments can empower activists and citizens to demand compliance with
anti-torture norms.
Check 2: The Dependent Variable: Torture Scale
How does the CAT define torture?
Answer: The CAT defines torture as “the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering by a
government authority acting in an official capacity, excluding pain or suffering resulting from lawful
sanctions.”
What are the two common sources of information for developing a torture measure?
Answer: The two primary sources are NGO reports (like Amnesty International) + U.S. Department of
State reports.
How is the dependent variable measured?
Answer: The dependent variable is measured by a five-category scale that assesses the prevalence and
severity of torture by government officials, ranging from: widespread severe torture rare and minor
abuses.
What does Figure 7.1 show? (pg. 267)
Comprehension Checks:
“Humane Treatment: The Prevalence and Prevention of Torture”
For each comprehension check, DO NOT PASS GO (do not collect $200, etc.) until you are sure you got “the
point” of the section.
Check 1: Introduction
What is the crucial difference between gender or children’s issues and torture?
Answer: The crucial difference between gender or children’s issues and torture is that torture is often
seen as tool governments have to maintain control, security, and/or political power, whereas issues
related to gender or children generally do not challenge the state’s authority in this way.
What is the main finding of the chapter? (Hint: the “something quite interesting”)
Answer: The main finding is that governments of partially accountable or transitioning democracies are
less likely to use torture if they have made a public commitment to the CAT than similar governments
that have not, where such commitments can empower activists and citizens to demand compliance with
anti-torture norms.
Check 2: The Dependent Variable: Torture Scale
How does the CAT define torture?
Answer: The CAT defines torture as “the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering by a
government authority acting in an official capacity, excluding pain or suffering resulting from lawful
sanctions.”
What are the two common sources of information for developing a torture measure?
Answer: The two primary sources are NGO reports (like Amnesty International) + U.S. Department of
State reports.
How is the dependent variable measured?
Answer: The dependent variable is measured by a five-category scale that assesses the prevalence and
severity of torture by government officials, ranging from: widespread severe torture rare and minor
abuses.
What does Figure 7.1 show? (pg. 267)
