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Fuzzy set theory and concepts: A proposal for concept formation and operationalization, Comparative Sociology
Mario Quaranta
- Vol. 12, Iss: 6, pp 785-820
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TLDR
The application of fuzzy set theory to concept formation and operationalization provides the opportunity of looking at concepts as complex constructs made up of attributes logically interconnected one with the other and, second, of measuring them accordingly.Abstract:
The quantity-quality debate in social sciences also concerns concept formation and operationalization. The first approach has strong naturalist assumptions, while the second one focuses on the historical specificity of concepts. The solution to overcome this divide would be finding a path which balances the two perspectives. In this article we argue that fuzzy set theory can be a helpful tool for concept formation and operationalization. The application of fuzzy set theory to concept formation and operationalization provides, first, the opportunity of looking at concepts as complex constructs made up of attributes logically interconnected one with the other and, second, of measuring them accordingly. Thus, after presenting our general argument, we show a theoretical and an empirical application of how to use fuzzy sets in concept formation and operationalization.read more
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Assessing the Quality of Democracy
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an edited volume, Assessing the Quality of Democracy, which explores substantive and procedural variables that seek, as the title suggests, to measure the quality of consolidated democracies.
References
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Sidney Verba,Norman H. Nie +1 more
TL;DR: Verba and Nie as discussed by the authors investigated the correlation between socioeconomic status and political participation, using a national sample survey and interviews with leaders in 64 communities to identify four kinds of political participation: voting, campaigning, communal activity and interaction with a public official.
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Concept Misformation in Comparative Politics
TL;DR: In a very crucial sense there is no methodology without logos, without thinking about thinking as mentioned in this paper, and if a firm distinction is drawn between methodology and technique, the latter is no substitute for the former.