Empirical Approach

Definition

The empirical approach is a method of study that relies on empirical evidence, or data gathered through observation and experimentation, to understand and draw conclusions about the world. It emphasizes the importance of using systematic, objective, and verifiable evidence to support claims and theories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The empirical approach is central to the systematic study of politics, as it allows researchers to gather and analyze data to understand political phenomena.
2. Empirical research in political science often involves the use of surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and draw conclusions.
3. The empirical approach emphasizes the importance of objectivity and minimizing bias in the research process, as it aims to uncover the underlying patterns and relationships in political behavior and institutions.
4. Empirical research in political science has contributed to the development of theories and models that help explain and predict political outcomes, such as voting behavior, policy decisions, and international relations.
5. The empirical approach is often contrasted with normative approaches in political science, which focus on the evaluation of political systems and institutions based on ethical or philosophical principles.

Review Questions

• Explain how the empirical approach is central to the systematic study of politics.
  • The empirical approach is central to the systematic study of politics because it allows researchers to gather and analyze data in a rigorous, objective manner to understand political phenomena. By relying on empirical evidence, such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis, political scientists can test hypotheses, identify patterns, and develop theories that help explain and predict political behavior and outcomes. The emphasis on objectivity and the use of scientific methods are key features of the empirical approach that make it a valuable tool for the systematic study of politics.
• Describe how the empirical approach in political science differs from normative approaches.
  • The empirical approach in political science differs from normative approaches in its focus on gathering and analyzing objective, verifiable data to understand political phenomena, rather than evaluating political systems and institutions based on ethical or philosophical principles. Whereas normative approaches are concerned with what 'ought' to be, the empirical approach aims to uncover the 'what' and 'why' of political behavior and outcomes. By relying on empirical evidence, the empirical approach seeks to develop theories and models that can explain and predict political outcomes, rather than prescribe how political systems should be organized or function.
• Analyze the role of the empirical approach in the development of political theories and models.
  • The empirical approach has played a crucial role in the development of political theories and models by providing a systematic and rigorous way to test hypotheses and draw conclusions about political phenomena. Through the use of empirical research methods, such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis, political scientists have been able to identify patterns, relationships, and causal mechanisms that underlie political behavior and institutions. These empirical findings have then been used to develop theories and models that help explain and predict political outcomes, such as voting behavior, policy decisions, and international relations. The emphasis on objectivity and the minimization of bias in the empirical approach have also helped to ensure the validity and reliability of these political theories and models, making them valuable tools for understanding and shaping the political world.

Related terms

Positivism:

A philosophical approach that emphasizes the use of scientific methods and empirical evidence to study social and political phenomena.

Deductive Reasoning: A logical process that begins with general principles or theories and then uses evidence to draw specific conclusions.

Inductive Reasoning: A logical process that starts with specific observations or data and then attempts to identify patterns or formulate general principles or theories.