Which one of the following group of words correctly matched with the scientific methodology of study of Politics?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

Students, when we talk about the **scientific methodology** of studying politics, or any social science, we are referring to the application of the scientific method, which seeks to be empirical, systematic, and value-neutral (or at least value-aware). This approach gained prominence during the behavioral revolution in Political Science, emphasizing the study of observable behavior rather than just philosophical ideals. The core steps of any scientific inquiry involve several stages. First, **Observation** is crucial; this means systematically collecting empirical data on political phenomena, whether through surveys, experiments, or analysis of existing records. Following observation, researchers aim for **Explanation**—that is, building theories or models that clarify *why* certain political events or behaviors occur. A successful scientific explanation must establish causal relationships between variables. However, the ultimate test of a scientific theory is its ability to look beyond the immediate data and project future possibilities, which is achieved through **Prediction**. A scientific theory that can accurately forecast political outcomes (e.g., voting patterns, policy effects, or international conflict likelihood) demonstrates its explanatory power and validity. Therefore, the sequence of observation, creating an explanation (theory), and testing that theory through prediction perfectly encapsulates the essential stages of the scientific methodology used in Political Science.

The incorrect option is 1:

The group "Observation, Explanation, **Value Judgement**" is incorrect because the inclusion of "Value Judgement" violates a fundamental principle of scientific methodology, especially within the behavioralist framework of studying politics. Value judgments are statements about what *ought to be* (normative claims), such as whether a policy is good or bad, or whether a government is just or unjust. In contrast, scientific study is primarily concerned with *what is* (empirical claims). While traditional, normative political theory heavily relies on value judgments, the scientific method strictly seeks to separate empirical analysis (observation and explanation) from the researcher's personal values, ensuring objectivity. The goal of science is to describe, explain, and predict reality, not to prescribe moral or ethical standards. Therefore, Value Judgement is characteristic of traditional or classical political philosophy, not scientific political methodology.

The incorrect option is 2:

The group "Observation, Explanation, **Subjective Judgement**" fails for reasons similar to Option 1, as "Subjective Judgement" fundamentally contradicts the scientific aspiration for objectivity and verifiable evidence. Subjectivity means that the conclusion is based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than on empirical evidence that can be independently verified. Scientific methodology demands inter-subjective verifiability, meaning that different researchers, applying the same method to the same data, should reach the same conclusion. A subjective judgment cannot be universally validated or replicated. This concept is typically associated with impressionistic or non-scientific analyses, which are explicitly rejected by the scientific methodology in modern political science, which insists on rigorous, testable hypotheses and objective measurements.

The incorrect option is 4:

The group "Observation, Explanation, **Interpretation**" is incomplete for representing the full scientific method, even though interpretation is certainly a part of the research process. Interpretation primarily involves assigning meaning to the data and findings, often linking them back to broader theoretical frameworks. However, interpretation usually follows the explanation stage and precedes the ultimate goal of scientific inquiry, which is the formulation of testable hypotheses and, critically, **prediction**. Prediction is the forward-looking, definitive test of a scientific theory's strength—it asks whether the observed and explained patterns hold true for future, yet-to-be-seen phenomena. Interpretation, while necessary for synthesizing results, lacks the verifiable, future-oriented test that prediction offers, making Option 3 the more accurate and complete match for the scientific methodology's core sequence.