NATURE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

NATURE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

1. Why Political Science is Scientific

Political Science is regarded as a scientific discipline because it follows a systematic and logical method of studying political institutions, processes, and human behaviour. It relies on observation, collection of facts, analysis, and verification rather than assumptions or personal opinions. Political scientists examine voting patterns, public opinion, political participation, and government functioning using empirical evidence. The subject seeks to explain political events, establish general principles, and predict future trends based on available data. Although human behaviour is complex and constantly changing, Political Science applies scientific techniques to make its findings objective, reliable, and useful for understanding governance and public policy.

2. Steps in the Scientific Method

The scientific method in Political Science follows four essential steps: observation, generalization, explanation, and prediction. Observation involves collecting facts through experience and research. Generalization identifies common patterns and relationships among political events using inductive or deductive reasoning. Explanation provides logical reasons for these patterns and helps understand political behaviour and institutions. Prediction uses established principles to anticipate future political developments and recommend suitable policies. These steps make political analysis systematic, objective, and evidence-based. Although predictions in Political Science may not always be exact due to changing human behaviour, the scientific method improves the accuracy and credibility of political research.

3. Observation

Observation is the first stage of the scientific method in Political Science. It involves carefully collecting facts through direct experience, surveys, interviews, documents, elections, and political events. Observation depends on objective evidence rather than beliefs, emotions, or supernatural explanations. Political scientists observe voting behaviour, public opinion, government policies, and political institutions to gather reliable information. Accurate observation provides the foundation for scientific analysis and helps identify patterns in political life. Since conclusions are based on verified facts, observation increases the objectivity and credibility of research. It is the starting point for developing theories and understanding political realities.

4. Generalization

Generalization is the process of identifying common patterns, similarities, and relationships from observed political facts. Political scientists analyse repeated events and formulate general principles that explain political behaviour. Generalization may follow the inductive method, moving from specific observations to general conclusions, or the deductive method, applying general theories to specific cases. These conclusions must be capable of verification through further research. Generalization helps simplify complex political realities by identifying recurring trends and regularities. It forms the basis for developing theories and comparing political systems, making Political Science more systematic and scientific in its approach to studying governance.

5. Explanation

Explanation is the stage where Political Science provides logical reasons for political events, institutions, and behaviour. After observing facts and identifying patterns, political scientists explain why these patterns exist and how different factors influence political outcomes. Explanation helps connect causes and effects, making political developments easier to understand. For example, it may explain why voter turnout changes or why governments adopt certain policies. Good explanations are based on evidence and can be tested through research. They improve understanding of political systems, guide future studies, and contribute to better policy-making by revealing the underlying causes of political events.

6. Prediction and Prescription

Prediction and prescription represent the final stage of the scientific method in Political Science. Prediction involves forecasting future political events based on observed facts and established theories. Political scientists may predict election results, policy impacts, or political trends using available evidence. Prescription suggests practical solutions and recommendations for improving governance, public administration, and political stability. These recommendations help policymakers address social and political challenges effectively. While predictions cannot always be completely accurate because human behaviour changes over time, they provide valuable guidance for planning and decision-making. This stage makes Political Science both practical and socially relevant.

7. Behavioural Approach

The Behavioural Approach emerged during the twentieth century as a scientific method of studying politics. It focuses on the actual behaviour of individuals and groups rather than merely studying constitutions or political institutions. Behaviouralists use surveys, interviews, statistical analysis, and empirical research to understand voting behaviour, leadership, public opinion, and political participation. The approach emphasizes facts, objectivity, and value-neutral analysis. It seeks to explain, predict, and generalize political behaviour using scientific techniques. By concentrating on observable actions rather than legal structures alone, behaviouralism made Political Science more research-oriented, empirical, and systematic in its methods.

8. Post-Behavioural Approach

The Post-Behavioural Approach developed in the late 1960s as a response to the limitations of behaviouralism. It argued that Political Science should not only study facts scientifically but also address values, ethics, and real social problems. While accepting scientific methods, post-behaviouralists emphasized relevance, justice, democracy, and public welfare. They believed research should contribute to solving issues such as poverty, inequality, conflict, and environmental challenges. This approach combines objective analysis with social responsibility and encourages political scientists to actively participate in improving society. It highlights that knowledge should serve humanity rather than remain purely academic.

9. Behavioural vs Post-Behavioural Approach

The Behavioural Approach and Post-Behavioural Approach differ mainly in their objectives. Behaviouralism focuses on observable facts, scientific methods, objectivity, prediction, and value-neutral research. It studies political behaviour using empirical evidence and statistical techniques. In contrast, post-behaviouralism argues that research should also consider values, ethics, and public interest. It emphasizes solving real-world problems and making Political Science socially relevant. Behaviouralists seek explanation and prediction, while post-behaviouralists promote action and reform. Both approaches use scientific methods, but post-behaviouralism broadens the discipline by combining scientific inquiry with concern for justice, democracy, and human welfare.

10. Exam Takeaway

Political Science is considered scientific because it applies observation, generalization, explanation, and prediction to study political behaviour and institutions systematically. The behavioural approach strengthened the scientific character of the subject by emphasizing facts, empirical research, and objectivity. The post-behavioural approach further expanded the discipline by incorporating values, ethics, and social relevance without rejecting scientific methods. Together, these approaches make Political Science both analytical and practical. For UPSC and academic examinations, it is important to remember that Political Science combines scientific investigation with the study of human values, helping governments design better policies and strengthen democratic governance.