Select and photocopy one of the four articles listed below. Once acquired, evaluate the article by identifying the main argument, the key variables, indicators for variance, main concepts, and describe how the components of the argument are operationalized. If possible, outline the main argument with the key causal and control variables graphically.

After laying out the main argument, variables, concepts, and the operationalization:

(a) Determine if the causal argument is clear, makes sense, and is free of major fallacies (e.g., make sure the variables do indeed vary).

(b) Evaluate the clarity of the concepts used (e.g., democratization, security, etc.) Are these terms used consistently? Are these terms guilty of conceptual overstretch?

(c) Assess the operationalization of the argument: is the research design free of selection bias, measurement error, etc.?

This paper must be four to five pages in length, typed, double-spaced with 12cpi font size, one-inch margins, and paginated. You may work in small groups, but your paper must be your own work product. Hard copies are due Tuesday, January 25, at 5 p.m. in my office.

Select one of the following four articles for analysis (copies of each are available on e-reserve):

Simon Hix. 2004. "Electoral Institutions and Legislative Behavior: Explaining Voting Defection in the European Parliament." World Politics 56:2 (January): 194-223.

Marcus Kurtz. 2004. "The Dilemmas of Democracy in the Open Economy: Lessons from Latin America." World Politics 56:2 (January): 262-302.

Yan Sun. 1999. "Reform, State, and Corruption: Is Corruption Less Destructive in China Than in Russia?" Comparative Politics 32:1 (October): 1-20.

Nicolas van de Walle. 1999. "Economic Reform in a Democratizing Africa." Comparative Politics 32:1 (October): 21-42.