In Defense of DW-NOMINATE. Issue 2 (22nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCarty, Nolan
• Is Part Of: Studies in American political development. Volume 30:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 184
• Publication Date: 2016-09-22
• Subjects: United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 320.97305
• DOI: 10.1017/S0898588X16000110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-588X

Abstract

Abstract : Several of the articles in this volume criticize the use of DW-NOMINATE in historical work in American politics and suggest alternative approaches to the use of roll call voting data. While many of criticisms are certainly valid, their practical implications are often overstated. Moreover, the suggested alternatives are either impractical for most historically oriented scholars and or do not adequately address the underlying problems. Almost all of the criticisms can be addressed by correct application of DW-NOMINATE results or those of other closely related measures.