Activity 6.2
Causal Chains

1. Review the two hypotheses concerning Social Security used as examples at the start of Chapter 6 in your text. The dependent variable in each hypothesis was attitude toward the financial viability of Social Security, with age the independent variable in one and personal wealth the other. Diagram what you think would be the relationship among these three variables, remembering that one of the independent variables was hypothesized to be inversely related to the dependent variable. Think of one more independent variable that you believe would affect the dependent variable, explain the logic behind your choosing that particular independent variable as opposed to some other, and add that variable to your diagram.
   • Create Diagram 1
   • Create Diagram 2
     
     
2. How do Political Action Committees decide to which candidates for Congress they will support with campaign contributions? With PAC financial contributions to congressional candidates as your dependent variable, choose three independent variables that you think affect that choice, and diagram the relationship among all four variables. Write a hypothesis for each relationship imbedded in your diagram. Provide a rationale for your selection of each independent variable and explain the logic for the relationships among the four variables.
   • Create the diagram
     
     
3. How do presidential candidates choose a vice-presidential running mate? With vice-presidential choice as your dependent variable, choose three independent variables that you think affect that choice, and diagram the relationship among all four variables. Write a hypothesis for each relationship imbedded in your diagram. Provide a rationale for your selection of each independent variable and explain the logic for the relationships among the four variables.
   
   
4. How do nations choose other nations for alliances, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)? With choice of alliance partner as your dependent variable, choose three independent variables that you think affect that choice, and diagram the relationship among all four variables. Write a hypothesis for each relationship imbedded in your diagram. Provide a rationale for your selection of each independent variable and explain the logic for the relationships among the four variables.