Political Science Methods: A Comprehensive Analysis
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Methods of Political Science
Political scientists employ various methods to study and understand political phenomena. Some of the key methods include:
- Biological Method:
- Observation Method:
- Experimental Method:
- Psychological Method:
- Legal Method:
- Historical Method:
- Comparative Method:
- Philosophical Method:
Observation Method
The observation method involves studying political phenomena and their integration to identify the causes that alter or modify them. This often involves analyzing political life using statistics. For example, analyzing election results.
Experimental Method
The experimental method has limited scope in political science because political life is a dynamic process. Governments and political structures are constantly changing. Examples include:
- New laws
- New constitutions
- Involvement of individuals in political processes
- Changes at various levels of government
Biological Method
The biological method examines the state by describing its organs and functions, drawing parallels to biological organisms.
Branches of Government:
- Executive Branch
- Legislative Branch
- Judicial Branch
Ideologies:
Right-wing ideologies are also relevant.
Psychological Method
The psychological method considers the human element in social phenomena. It recognizes that human intelligence influences social facts. Examples include:
- Liberal Parties
- Centre Parties
- Republican Parties
- Christian Democratic Social Parties
This method relies on understanding spiritual processes.
Legal Method
The legal method studies the state as a legal entity that creates and implements laws. The state is viewed as a legal phenomenon. Kelsen argued that law is the main ingredient in shaping the state. This method analyzes the state's legal activity as the creator of legal order. Political society is seen as a set of obligations and individual rights that define relationships between individuals and political power.
Historical Method
The historical method examines the state as an institution that evolves through history. It seeks to explain political institutions by identifying the causes of their appearance and the processes (violent or peaceful) that drive their evolution.
Comparative Method
The comparative method describes laws by comparing and analyzing political constitutions. Aristotle used this method to analyze 158 constitutions, enabling political analysis through legal forms.
Philosophical Method
The philosophical method relies on knowledge from all disciplines to define the essence of the state. Philosophy provides unified knowledge, while particular sciences offer partially unified knowledge. Political philosophy seeks a scientific explanation for all political phenomena and their projection into the future.