Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In tying together general issues of subnational comparative analysis and the study of specific empirical phenomena in China, this paper examines: 1) which aspects of subnational comparative analysis used elsewhere can usefully inform the study of Chinese politics in general; 2) how one particular form of subnational comparison can help us understand the unfolding dynamics of Chinese state sector lay-offs; and 3) how this form of subnational comparative analysis might usefully be extended back into other areas of the wider field of comparative politics in a way that refines and sharpens the practice of subnational comparison elsewhere.

Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: This paper tests the proposition that small parties have disproportionate bargaining power under proportional representation. It presents both simulation results and case studies of Germany and Israel. We find that small parties have disproportionate influence only when the number of parties is very small. As the number of parties climbs above 4, influence tends toward proportionality. Furthermore, large party bias is far more likely than small party bias. Proportional representation elections may produce a surprisingly “majoritarian” political dynamic.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Even though frame analysis has become a popular analytical framework in media studies and social movement research, the methodological underpinnings of the empirical identification of frames lack systematization and have consequently remained underdeveloped. This paper consolidates recent advances in the empirical measurement of frames and explores, in how far computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) can enhance these methodologies. Because framing has become a fairly widely used but ill-defined concept, the paper will start with a delineation of framing theory as it is understood for present purposes. Next, a methodology to empirically measure frames will be developed. The proposed methodology attempts in a first step to draw on existing knowledge on metanarratives to avoid a purely inductive identification of frames. In a second step, the analyst identifies through a hermeneutic analysis of data a set of keywords and key phrases that indicate frames in his data. These indicators are then used in a third step to semi-automatically identify frames in the data. Five CAQDAS -- ATLAS.ti, Kwalitan, MAXqda, NVivo, and Qualrus -- are examined with respect to their usability in this type of framing research. Finally, a short overview, on how to validate frame models with cluster analysis, factor analysis, and latent class/structure analysis will be made.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The study applies assumptions of the heuristic-systematic model of information processing on the perception of bias in news media. It has been well documented that people perceive media reports as being biased against their own point of view and in favor of the opposite, an effect labelled hostile media perception. It is argued here that assumptions on heuristic and systematic processing can be used for explaining hostile media perceptions. People with little ability and/or motivation are expected to perceive an article based on heuristic cues whereas highly motivated and/or able people should process information more systematically bringing about an effect of attitude.
The assumption for systematic processing could be confirmed while there was no evidence for heuristic processing under low motivation/ability conditions. Results of prior hostile media research are replicated.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Scholars have long concentrated on presidential decision making, examining it from a variety of dimensions. Yet, little work has taken place to date that systematically examines many of the influences on decisions made by the presidents that have been identified as possible contributors to the decisions they make. The research question is: What impacts on presidential decision making? Organizational behavior researchers have demonstrated the strong link between values held by managers and the decisions that they make. They have also found that values are largely the result of the socialization process modified by personal experiences such as family, culture and religion as well as environmental factors such as economic conditions. To answer the research question, this study examines the executive orders of the presidents from Washington through George W. Bush. Using content analysis, the study tests to see whether the theories posited by organizational behavior scholars apply to presidential decision making and, if so, how important the demographic influences appear to be to those decisions. The study finds that the closer a president is to the modal demographic background of the previous presidents (i.e., married with children, educated particularly in the legal profession, from the South, Republican and Episcopalian), the more likely the president will favor the authority, commitment, ethics, leadership and reward values and the less likely the president will favor participation, performance and support in executive order decision making. However, situational variables (i.e., low percentage of electoral votes, divided Congress, poor economic performance, institutionalization of the presidency) can offset the effect of demographics with respect to specific values.