POLI 105 Exam 1 VCU UPDATED Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Degeneration - CORRECT ANSWER - Adding variables to a theory to try to extend its
explanatory coverage is generally considered to weaken a theory.
Parsimony - CORRECT ANSWER - IR Theories seek to explain as much as possible with
a single variable, making a theory stronger.
Sovereignty - CORRECT ANSWER - All states are defined by their political and
territorial integrity. This concept guides the international system.
Theory V. Policy Debate - CORRECT ANSWER - Joseph Lepgold notes that there is a
solution to which potential problem in studying international relations
Dependent Variable - CORRECT ANSWER - In the simple statistic statement X -> Y, the
outcome of the variable Y
International Anarchy - CORRECT ANSWER - The absence of any controlling authority
over the nation
Constructivism - CORRECT ANSWER - Argues against the possibility of generalized
explanations in world politics
Ideas all the way down - CORRECT ANSWER - Discussing constructivism, we noted that
the major critique of this theory
Collective Action Problem - CORRECT ANSWER - Liberal theory suggest that states
need to cooperate to solve real problems that cross and that effect all states without any one state
being able to provide the solution on their own
, Alexander Hamilton - CORRECT ANSWER - Authors' works are not interpreted to be in
the liberal tradition
Ontological - CORRECT ANSWER - Kind of fundamental difference between rational
and constructivist theories
Security Dilemma - CORRECT ANSWER - An increase of security to one state, which
increases the insecurity of another state. The other state balances the security against the first,
which creates insecurity and they balance back.
Realism - CORRECT ANSWER - Power Matters
Liberalism - CORRECT ANSWER - Cooperation Matters
Neoliberalism - CORRECT ANSWER - Institutions Matter
Constructivism simpler - CORRECT ANSWER - Ideas Matter
Neorealism - CORRECT ANSWER - Power, Actors, State
Treaty of Westphalia 1648 - CORRECT ANSWER - The official beginning of the system
of sovereign states
The logic relative gains - CORRECT ANSWER - A state is more willing to lose 10 units
of power, if its adversary will more than 10 units of power in the exchange, rather than gaining
10 units of power if its adversary will gain more than 10 units of power.
Gains Debate - CORRECT ANSWER - Key difference between neorealist and neoliberal.
Neorealists seek to win in any interaction relative to the other state. Neoliberal accept that each
side can gain absolutely from any interaction
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Degeneration - CORRECT ANSWER - Adding variables to a theory to try to extend its
explanatory coverage is generally considered to weaken a theory.
Parsimony - CORRECT ANSWER - IR Theories seek to explain as much as possible with
a single variable, making a theory stronger.
Sovereignty - CORRECT ANSWER - All states are defined by their political and
territorial integrity. This concept guides the international system.
Theory V. Policy Debate - CORRECT ANSWER - Joseph Lepgold notes that there is a
solution to which potential problem in studying international relations
Dependent Variable - CORRECT ANSWER - In the simple statistic statement X -> Y, the
outcome of the variable Y
International Anarchy - CORRECT ANSWER - The absence of any controlling authority
over the nation
Constructivism - CORRECT ANSWER - Argues against the possibility of generalized
explanations in world politics
Ideas all the way down - CORRECT ANSWER - Discussing constructivism, we noted that
the major critique of this theory
Collective Action Problem - CORRECT ANSWER - Liberal theory suggest that states
need to cooperate to solve real problems that cross and that effect all states without any one state
being able to provide the solution on their own
, Alexander Hamilton - CORRECT ANSWER - Authors' works are not interpreted to be in
the liberal tradition
Ontological - CORRECT ANSWER - Kind of fundamental difference between rational
and constructivist theories
Security Dilemma - CORRECT ANSWER - An increase of security to one state, which
increases the insecurity of another state. The other state balances the security against the first,
which creates insecurity and they balance back.
Realism - CORRECT ANSWER - Power Matters
Liberalism - CORRECT ANSWER - Cooperation Matters
Neoliberalism - CORRECT ANSWER - Institutions Matter
Constructivism simpler - CORRECT ANSWER - Ideas Matter
Neorealism - CORRECT ANSWER - Power, Actors, State
Treaty of Westphalia 1648 - CORRECT ANSWER - The official beginning of the system
of sovereign states
The logic relative gains - CORRECT ANSWER - A state is more willing to lose 10 units
of power, if its adversary will more than 10 units of power in the exchange, rather than gaining
10 units of power if its adversary will gain more than 10 units of power.
Gains Debate - CORRECT ANSWER - Key difference between neorealist and neoliberal.
Neorealists seek to win in any interaction relative to the other state. Neoliberal accept that each
side can gain absolutely from any interaction
