Applying a Scientific Methodology to a Study of Politics

Politics Study and Scientific Methodology

Politics can be studied based upon the facts presented or based upon defining the theories behind the facts presented. A more comprehensive approach to a study of politics can be illustrated by viewing the components through a scientific analysis in an inquiry into political phenomena. With that said, a close look will be taken into the science behind politics to define a scientific methodology for the study of political phenomena and to expound upon the debate that the focus of political science should not confined to choosing a party to support.

To begin with, "classical political thought understands that the ultimate aim of political life is 'a life devoted to contemplation, to philosophy'" (Sahni). In these words, a study of politics becomes a parallel to a study of the inherent value systems and multivariate represented within. The argument, then, comes down to utilising a scientific methodology to enhance an understanding of political phenomena. One such approach "encourages a more serious consideration of the interaction of the environment with the innate side of human nature" (McDermott & Monroe) to dilute the traditional studies of learning and socialization into something of scientific value. It can be proposed, then, that to study political phenomena in a scientific manner, a researcher will find value in analysing political behavior, events, and systems to reveal a construct which identifies the world of politics through more general principles. The breakdown of this scenario requires an understanding of current political events and the actions of political parties, to define relationships and parallels inherent within that cannot normally be seen by an outside observer which would alter the way in which such political decisions are made and deliberated. Categories could be created to define political behaviors and correlations, with projected assignments to include irrational behavior of politicians, classify objective world-views, and identify the outcome of future events based upon patterns of behavior found from a scientific study.

The primary difficulty with this form of scientific methodology in a study of political phenomena is the unavoidable bias of the researcher. One academic article cites that "partisanship is unavoidable, even when one seeks to be nonpartisan. But there is a way, albeit difficult, to be partisan and also philosophical-- relentless self-scrutiny by squarely facing facts" (Machan). Thus, a researcher can start a thesis with an opinion, but they must be cognizant that their discoveries might be tainted by current political values, however inconsiderable they may seem. This requires a researcher to absorb and define all facts presented, irregardless of whether or not they share those beliefs, and form an unbiased thesis and discussion based upon the analysis of political behavior.

Further, "political scientists can [pose] critical questions concerning human social and political behavior, including bias against out-groups...and the function of emotion in decision making" (McDermott & Monroe). This is critical in such an analysis due to the nature of politics and the outward appearance of political decision making. It would be easy to say that many people, whether or not they follow political agendas or actions, believe that the decisions made by the country's leaders are made through careful thought and a cognizant view of the entire situation or big picture. However, political leaders are humans, at their core, and might (more commonly than people believe) make decisions to create certain appearances or based upon a fear-notion that they might not hold the people's trust. Such decisions would not necessarily be in the best interest of the country and could be looked at in a scientific manner as a principle of political behavior based upon the irrational.

Overall, taking a comprehensive, scientific approach to the study of politics allows for a better analysis or inquiry into political phenomena. More, after taking a close look into the boundaries and theories of modern political phenomena, a scientific methodology can be defined to illustrate that the focus of political science goes far beyond a simple selection of political parties. Studying politics with a scientific methodology would allow for categorical definitions of the irrational behavior of politicians, classify objective world-views, and identify the outcome of future events based upon patterns of behavior found from a scientific study-which would grant far more in terms of behavioral understanding than viewing politics as an unchanging, partisan-only discussion.

Bibliography

Machan, TR, "The Reckless Mind: Intellectuals in Politics." Ideas on Liberty, pp. 57-73.

McDermott, R and KR Monroe, "The Scientific Analysis of Politics: Important Contributions from Some Overlooked Sources," Political Research Quarterly 62, no. 3, pp. 568-596.

Sahni, IP, "Nasser Behnegar, Leo Strauss, Max Weber, and the Scientific Study of Politics," Canadian Journal of Sociology 31, no. 3, pp. 379-391.

Storing, HJ., ed, Essays on the Scientific Study of Politics. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.