Pol Sci Unit 1 Part 2

Front 1

Methodology

Back 1

1. Experimental
2. Historical
3. Psychological
4. Comparative
5. Observational
6. Philosophical
7.Quantitative

Front 2

Experimental methodology

Back 2

Although scientific experimentation is not possible in political science, but political experiments have been and are being tried. A/c to Dr. Garner, "The enactment of every law, establishment of every new policy is experimental in the sense that it is regarded as provisional until results have proven it's fitness to be permanent"
Limitation- Scientific experiment cannot be performed in politics, nor can they be repeated over and over.

Front 3

Historical methodology

Back 3

If we wish to learn about the origin and development of state or a political institution we must delve in history. A/c to Prof. Gilchrist,
"To properly understand political institution, we must study them in their growth and development. History not only explains institutions it also lets us make deductions for guidance"

Limitations- Can be misleading since history may be biased by various influences
• History cannot determine the ultimate standard of good or bad or right/wrong in political life.
• Does not give valuable suggestions to meet the demands of the present and future.

Front 4

Psychological

Back 4

Attempts to study and analyze pol activity through psychological laws, e.g. considering the reaction of the people and or public opinion. • Limitation- One sided.

Front 5

Comparative

Back 5

It reaches conclusions by tracing similar results to similar causes, eliminating those influences that may be present in one country and absent in another. By using this method we try to find what is common, common causes and consequences.
Limitations- This method is error prone because while concentrating on common principles the diversity of conditions such as difference of temperament and intellect of people economic and social condition moral and legal standards can be easily ignored.

Front 6

Philosophical

Back 6

Contrary to other methods this is speculative and is deductive in nature. Rousseau, Mill, Sidgwick, all thinkers attempting to idealize state used this to construct an ideal state on their basis and criticize existing institutions

Limitations- Some times thinkers forget facts and let imagination run riot
• Only possesses academic value
• Ignores smaller issues for bigger ones.

Front 7

Quantitative

Back 7

State collects all data regarding it and makes decision and policies based on the need of the hour, based on the data collected.

However (limitation) wrong data=wrong decision=bad.