In this part of the assignment you are exploring variables and indicators for your chosen countries' institutions. Remember that a variable is the abstract concept you're trying to measure. For example, democracy as a variable measures the degree to which a political system is democratic. An indicator is the concrete way you measure or observe that concept. For example, voter turnout as an indicator could be the percentage of eligible voters who participate in national elections.
Datasets (Variables and Indicators)
The resources below are publicly available organizations that give data (that is variables and indicators) on concepts related to democracy. It is important to:
- think about what indicators you want to use to measure your variable
- define these indicator according to the organization (usually you can click on the name of the indicator for a definition)
- make sure you understand what the number means in relation to your variable
Video Resource: Using WorldBank Databank Datasets
- WorldBank Data Bank WebsiteCreate a report for specific indicators OR view by country in the right hand side options. For the full list of possible indicators in the Databank: Full List of Indicators
For POL S, useful indicators:
- World Development Indicators (WDI) – economic, social, and governance data.
- Governance Indicators – political stability, corruption, rule of law.
- Poverty and Equity Database – inequality and income distribution.
- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that aims to support and strengthen democratic institutions and processes around the world.
TIP: Use the Data Tools site to view the Global State of Democracy Indices - Election GuideElectionGuide was created in 1998 and has since been maintained by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), an international nonprofit dedicated to building resilient democracies that deliver for all
TIP: Choose the country and Search for all election results by year. - United Nations (UN) DataUNdata is a web-based data service for the global user community. It brings international statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single-entry point.
TIP: Use the Country Profile option the homepage or build a chart by indicators. - Bonus Tool: CAP AgendaThe Comparative Agendas Project enables scholars, students, policy-makers, and the media to investigate trends in policy-making across time and between countries. It classifies policy activities into a single, universal, and consistent coding scheme. CAP monitors policy processes by tracking the actions that governments take in response to the challenges they face. All of these data are downloadable for analyzing
TIP: Use the Explore Trends Tool to choose indicators related to democracy like Civil Rights, Government Operations, and International Affairs.