Jak zmierzyć demokrację? Teoretyczne i metodologiczne podstawy budowy skal demokracji politycznej w politologii porównawczej
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Date
2010
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Wydział Nauk Politycznych i Dziennikarstwa UAM
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Abstract
The author of the paper undertakes to present and analyze one of the research instruments
applied by comparative political science in quantitative surveys, namely scales of democracy
(sometimes referred to as indices or factors of democracy). This instrument is quite common
in Western, in particular Anglo-Saxon political science, whereas it remains relatively unknown
in Polish political science. The aim of the paper is therefore to introduce the reader to
this theoretical and methodological construct.
In order to achieve this aim the author indicates the possible uses of scales of democracy
and the areas of research that apply them. He also analyzes methodological problems related
to the development and application of scales of democracy. Although they offer a useful tool
in comparative analyses, the essence of this instrument may raise certain methodological and
epistemological doubts. Therefore it is significant to maintain the utmost diligence when developing
these scales, which must be based on the application of advanced statistical instruments
and research algorithms. On the basis of the conclusions of G. L. Munck and
J. Verkuilen, the author presents a model process for developing scales of democracy and
demonstrates the challenges faced by the researcher trying to develop such scales. The last
part of the paper discusses the place of the issue of democracy measurement in Polish political
science. The author claims that Polish researchers’ interest in this issue does not correspond to
its significance and the potential advantages that could be obtained.
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Przegląd Politologiczny, 2010, nr 4, s. 97-108.