Indeksy i bazy danych jako źródła w studiach nad bezpieczeństwem. Stan badań
Indexes and Datasets as Research Tools in Security Studies. State of the Field

Summary/Abstract: In this article I conducted metaanalysis on the utility of chosen cognitive tools used in security studies. I was mainly interested in publication of indexes, rankings, and datasets. Origins of their usage in social sciences date back at least to the age of postwar behaviouralism and projects, such as the Correlates of War or analytic reports published annually by PRIO, SIPRI or IISS. Development of international organizations, as well as the new analytical has increased the opportunities for collecting qualitative and quantitative data on conflicts, wars, arms control, safety, perception of threats, quality of life and health etc. In my paper I focus on numerous datasets, indexes and rankings in order to assess their utility in the field of security studies in Poland. I explain that focus on the “hard” data may enhance our ability to explain social phenomena. The most advanced social sciences where datasets have been traditionally used are psychology and economics. Other contemporary fields of study have a possibility to develop their potential in this matter. I look for such a potential in the context of security studies, especially within their subfields: conflict studies and peace research.

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