Observational Method of Political Science

By observational method is meant- the collection of facts and information about the State, and political phenomena by direct and personal observation of them. For Political Science it is a true method of investigation. The American writer Lowell said that ‘Politics is an observational and not an experimental science.”

However, it is sometimes assigned a secondary, even subordinate, role by some political writers. Nevertheless, Lord Bryce adopted it as the basic method for his political studies, as for example, in his books, The American Commonwealth and The Modem Democracies. He also laid down certain principles of this method.

According to him, a political investigator must rely upon first-hand information; he must observe critically his sources of information; he must avoid generalisations not based on facts; he must also avoid superficial resemblances or analogies; the field of observation should be as wide as possible; the enquirer must also distinguish personal or accidental causes from general causes, and examine the relation of one fact to other facts. Lastly, he gives a sound advice.

The first desideratum for a political scientist is to get the fact and then make sure of it Get it perfectly clear. Polish it till it sparkles and shines like a gem. Then connect it with other facts. Examine it in its relation to diem, for in that lies its worth and its significance. It is of little use alone. So make it a diamond in the necklace, a stone, perhaps a corner-stone, in your building.”

 

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