RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDY NOTES CHAPTER ONE

Transcription

1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDY NOTES INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE Politics is about power. Studying the distribution and exercise of power is, however, far from straightforward. Politics refers to the subject matter to the what. Science refers to the method, to the how of research. The subject matter of political science, therefore, presents particular problems for the researcher. The ability to research, and therefore provide evidence to corroborate a particular view of the world, is clearly vital to the discipline of political science. In fact, we would claim that critical reflection on method is one of the hallmarks of the discipline, separating the academic study of politics from political journalism. Methods, after all, are intrinsically linked to research findings. Without the interview, how could we question leaders on events of the day? Without analysis of documents and archives, how could we piece together the complex chain of past events? Without surveys and statistical analysis, how could popular opinion be judged and the claims of the government be assessed? In short, without carefully designed research methods, serious political science would be impossible. In this unit, we shall examine the nature of political research in the context of searching for knowledge that will give meaning and understanding to the world around us. 0 OBJECTIVES At the end of this unit, you should be able to: explain the nature of Political Science as a dynamic discipline in today s world recognise the importance of plausible, valid and reliable evidence in political science research and discuss the importance of theory, of the view that all knowledge is conceptually formed. 0 Nature of Political Research Political Science today is a dynamic discipline. Its substance, theory and methods have all changed radically in recent decades. It is much expanded in range and scope and in the variety of new perspectives and new variants of old ones that it encompasses. The subject matter of political science, therefore, presents particular problems for the researcher. The ability to research and provide evidence to corroborate a particular view of the world is clearly vital to the discipline of Political Science. In fact, the critical

2 reflection on methods is one of the hallmarks of the discipline. Methods are intrinsically linked to research (Burnham, et al., 2004:1). The methods of seeking scientific knowledge in Social Sciences are grounded in reasoning and experience (Nachmias and Nachimas, 2009:19). Reasoning as a method of seeking knowledge consists of three types, namely: deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and the combined inductivedeductive approach (Cohen and Manion, 1980:13). On the other hand, experience is a useful tool for gaining knowledge. An individual accumulates body of knowledge and skills derived or gained from encounter and acquaintance with facts and event in one s environment (Cohen and Manion, 1980). The search for knowledge is the fundamental step in gaining meaningful knowledge. Research, therefore, is a higher step in the search for knowledge. What then, is research? Research can be defined as deliberate seeking of knowledge through empiricism, fideism, rationalism and science (Obasi, 1999:11). This scientific knowledge seeking through research is purposeful and goal-directed activity. It is inquisitive-searching for answers to specific questions-especially why? and how? Scientists employ the criteria of logical validity and empirical validation to evaluate claims for knowledge. These two criteria are translated into the research activities of scientists through the research process. The research process is the overall scheme of activities in which scientists engage in order to produce knowledge. It is the paradigm of scientific inquiry (Nachimias and Nachimias, 2009:20). However, there has been a debate as to the scientific status of political science research, especially because of the complexity of political phenomena, human behaviour problem as subject of research and the question of values in most political science research (Obasi, 1999:15). In the natural and physical sciences, scientific methods and procedures in the conduct of research is not in doubt. The situation is different in social sciences where there are competing epistemologies which in turn give rise to methodological crisis in political science. However, three major competing epistemological approaches can be identified in the field of political science: traditionalists, behaviouralists and Marxists (Obasi,1999:17). The methodological approaches correspond to three modes of social research, namely: interpretive, positive and critical modes (White, 1986a: 15). The traditionalists are more historical, normative, descriptive as well as largely qualitative. They try to interpret political actions in order to enhance understanding by applying logic. The behaviouralists on the other hand, apply the positivistic method which emphasises the application of the scientific method to the study of political phenomena. They lay emphasis on observation, verification and measurement. The positivists are more analytical, quantitative and theory-building conscious. Finally, the Marxists, on their part, adopt the method of historical-materialism, which among other things recognises the primacy of economic determinism in political actions. It is equally critical

3 in its methodology and in its effort to unearth the hidden forces behind the actions of political actors (Obasi, 1999:17). Though, scholars in political science research have problems with these competing methodologies, they recognise their existence and try to maximise the benefits associated with each of them in theoretical frameworks by embracing eclectic approach. In other words, Political science research can be conducted by combining the complementarity of competing methodologies to produce more reliable knowledge. 0 Why the Study of Political Research? The systematic study of politics involves the assembly of evidence and subjecting it to various forms of tests of its reliability and validity. Broadly speaking, the study of political science enables us to know whether the research is replicable and whether it offers a means of studying the theories and concepts being analysed. Unlike the situation in natural science where, it is often argued, there are standardised and accepted measures, social scientists are more aware that there is a range of techniques that they can choose from and a particular problem does not necessarily suggest a particular method. In this sense, we would agree with the position taken by Marsh and Stoker (2002:4) that Political science is enriched by the variety of approaches that are adopted within the discipline. Political science research has come of age. The behavioural revolution which ushered in a period of application of scientific method, also ushered in a period of resilience in subjecting political phenomena to scientific analysis. Specifically, the objective of political research is to develop theories that can describe, explain, analyse and predict political phenomena.. However, empirical research in political science goes far beyond the passive role of verifying and testing theory, it does more than confirm or refute hypotheses. Research in political science plays an active role; it performs at least four major functions which help shape the development of theory. It initiates; it reformulates; it deflects; and it clarifies theory (Merton, 1968:103). 0 The Inevitability of Conceptualisation in Political Research Any serious consideration of method in social science quickly runs into the thorny question of the relationship between empirical observation and theory or conceptualisation (Sayer, 1992:45). Once it is accepted that facts do not speak for themselves (Carr, 1964), but that all understanding takes place within a conceptual framework, we have begun to cross the divide between common sense understandings of the world and social science. But what is meant by theory? Sayer, (1992:50) indicates that the term is used in at least three important senses: as an ordering framework or set of background assumptions; as conceptualisation, in which to theorise ; as means to

4 prescribe a particular way of thinking about the world; and as a hypothesis, explanation or testable proposition. Theory means different things to different people. Some social scientists would identify theory with any kind of conceptualisation. Such concepts as power, social status, democracy, bureaucracy and deviance when defined and used in interpretations of empirical phenomena, are sometimes equated with theories. In a broad sense, any conceptualisation, as opposed to observation, is theory (Nachimias and Nachimias, 2009: 36). Other social scientists equate theory with the history of ideas. Still others view theory in a narrow sense: a logical-deductive system consisting of a set of inter-related concepts from which testable propositions can be deductively derived (Nachimias and Nachimias, 2009: 36). However, the term is now widely accepted that there can be no theory-neutral interpretation of events. POL 401 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE In short, political science is not simply story-telling. Rather, systematic analysis, as Hay (2002:64) points out, is based on an assessment of what s out there to know about, what can we (hope to) know about it, and how can we go about acquiring that knowledge. This means that methodology (a study of the principles and theories which guide the choice of method) can be distinguished from particular research methods. Although, as Sayer (1992:3) cautions, methodologists need to remember that method implies guidance, research methods are the medium and outcome of research practice in the world today. EXERCISE Describe the nature of political science research? 0 CONCLUSION In this unit, we have been able to discuss the nature of political science research in today s world. In the case of political science research, the range of concern is wide and the boundaries of the subject are often ill-defined, while the discipline itself is, to a considerable degree, internally fragmented. Its eclecticism has both strengths and weaknesses. It has allowed the discipline to remain open to theories, perspectives and methodologies from a range of other social science disciplines. What is evident from this is that political science research has been more eclectic than most disciplines in borrowing the approaches of other disciplines (Peter, 1999:20). Hence, political science is now understood within the broader context of social sciences methodologies. 0 SUMMARY

5 There are methodological problem which the political science shares with the other social sciences. It borders on methodological pluralism. Methodological pluralism, in the sense of enabling all approaches to flourish, though, to be encouraged (Bell and Newby, 1977); it must be distinguished from the slide into the theoretical morass of eclectic pragmatism where anything goes and perspectives are sampled regardless of methodological consistency. Appreciating the historical development of the discipline and its links between epistemology/social ontology and research methods is the necessary first step towards becoming a competent political researcher. Its substance, theory and methods have all changed radically in today s world. 0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT 0 Describe the nature of political science research? 1 Why do we use social science research methodologies to study political science? This is a SAMPLE (Few pages have been extracted from the complete notes:-it s meant to show you the topics covered in the full notes and as per the course outline Download more at our websites: To get the complete notes either in softcopy form or in Hardcopy (printed & Binded) form, contact us on: Call/text/whatsApp /

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