Question

In controlled comparison research, the observed relationship between an independent variable (X) and a dependent variable (Y) may be caused by some other, uncontrolled compositional difference (Z). So, we always ask, “How else, besides the independent variable, are the groups I am comparing not the same?” For the hypothesis below, do the following: (i) Think up a plausible alternative causal variable. (ii) Describe how this variable might affect the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable.

In a comparison of countries, democracies are less likely than nondemocracies to initiate international military conflict.

Answer 1

answer:

In a comparison of countries, democracies are less likely than non-democracies to initiate international military conflict.

(i) Plausible alternative variable: Size of GDP of the country, or the per capital income

(ii) if a country is already rich in resources such as water, food, and energy, they do not have to compete with other nations for those resources. However, if a country is lacking an important resource for the survival of their citizens, there may be conflict when that country tries to take a resource from another country.