ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the use of a between-systems case-study approach; specifically, one which involves the utilization of a most similar systems design. The use of a few cases most often creates a degrees of freedom problem, in which it becomes extremely difficult for the researcher to determine which explanatory variable is responsible for the variation in the dependent variable. The standard way of improving a research design is to increase the number of observations for analysis. The chapter also introduces the dependent variable and each of the independent variables – explanatory and control – and place special focuses on the ways in which each of these variables is measured. It addresses the particular type of within-systems analysis. Close attention is given to the intervening variable used in this analysis – multiparty democracy – and discussion is provided regarding its assessment with the use of content analysis.
