Governance in Political Science: Research and Role of Research Assistants

Governance in Political Science

Governance refers to the exercise of authority through the establishment of policies and practices, and an equally essential component of political science. It involves the organized structure of the public sector, including legislatures, executives, judiciaries, and other mechanisms created to facilitate effective policy implementation. In this context, political science focuses on the principles behind governing as well as the mechanisms implemented in achieving good governance.

Key Components of Political Science Research

To understand governance within political science, it is crucial to examine various aspects of research.

Traditionalism

Traditionalism is one of the earliest approaches to political science research, which continues to be influential today. It emphasizes the role of history in shaping political systems and argues that the historical record provides insight into the evolution of institutions and decision-making processes.

Behavioralism

Behavioralism emerged in response to traditionalism, focusing on studying individual behavior rather than abstract theories. It relies heavily on empirical evidence and utilitarianism, viewing political science as a tool for solving real-world problems.

Postbehavioralism

Postbehavioralism evolved as a critique of behavioralism, recognizing the importance of both qualitative and quantitative methods. It also acknowledges that the world is inherently unpredictable and that social science cannot be reduced to a set of mathematical equations.

The Role of Research Assistants in Governance

Undergraduate research assistants play a vital role in political science research, particularly in the context of governance. They contribute to research projects by serving as co-authors, data collectors, survey respondents, content coders, and assisting in data analysis. This collaboration between students and faculty not only benefits the research but also provides students with valuable skills and experience that can aid their career development.

Conclusion

Governance is a fundamental aspect of political science, encompassing the principles and mechanisms of governing. Through various research approaches, political scientists strive to understand and improve the functioning of political systems. The collaboration between researchers and undergraduate research assistants is an essential component of this process, bridging theory and practice to contribute to a better understanding of governance in the modern world.