Political Science 101 POLS: Introduction to Political Science - Normative vs. Empirical Political Science

1. What This Is & Why It Matters

Normative vs Empirical Political Science: The distinction between normative and empirical political science refers to the difference between evaluating political systems based on moral principles and values (normative) versus analyzing and describing political phenomena based on empirical evidence and data (empirical).

Understanding this concept is crucial in political science because it helps scholars and policymakers distinguish between idealistic prescriptions for governance and evidence-based recommendations. Without this distinction, one might advocate for policies that are impractical or ineffective, leading to poor governance and policy outcomes.

Consider the example of the 2020 US presidential election. President Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud were based on normative assumptions about the integrity of the electoral process, rather than empirical evidence. In contrast, fact-checkers and election observers relied on empirical data to debunk these claims, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between normative and empirical approaches in political science.

2. Essential Thinkers, Concepts & Models

• *John Locke*: Argued that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. His ideas underpin the Declaration of Independence and continue to influence modern debates about individual rights and government power.
• *Max Weber*: Developed the concept of the "ideal type," which involves creating a hypothetical model of a political system based on its underlying values and principles. Weber's work remains relevant in understanding the normative dimensions of political science.
• *Robert Dahl*: Proposed the concept of "polyarchy," which describes a system of government characterized by multiple centers of power and the presence of competing interests. Dahl's work highlights the importance of empirical analysis in understanding the complexities of real-world politics.
• *Game Theory*: A mathematical framework for analyzing strategic decision-making in situations where the outcome depends on the actions of multiple individuals or groups. Game theory has been applied to a wide range of political phenomena, from international relations to domestic policy-making.
• *Pluralism*: A theoretical framework that emphasizes the presence of multiple centers of power and the importance of competition among interest groups in shaping policy outcomes. Pluralism is often contrasted with elitism, which posits that power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite.
• *Dual Federalism*: A constitutional framework that divides power between the federal government and the states, with each level of government having distinct areas of authority. Dual federalism is often contrasted with cooperative federalism, which emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.

3. Step-by-Step 'Political Analysis'

1. Define the research question: Clearly articulate the normative or empirical question being addressed, and identify the relevant theoretical frameworks and concepts.
2. Gather data: Collect empirical evidence from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
3. Analyze the data: Use statistical and qualitative methods to identify patterns and relationships in the data, and to test hypotheses about the research question.
4. Compare cases: Examine multiple cases or examples to identify commonalities and differences, and to test the generalizability of findings.
5. Test a hypothesis: Use empirical evidence to test a specific hypothesis or prediction, and to evaluate the strength of the evidence supporting or rejecting the hypothesis.
6. Draw conclusions: Based on the analysis and evidence, draw conclusions about the research question and the implications for policy or practice.

4. Common Student Mistakes

• Misconception: Normative and empirical approaches are mutually exclusive, and scholars must choose between them.
• The right view: Normative and empirical approaches are complementary, and scholars can use both to inform their analysis and recommendations. For example, a scholar might use empirical data to evaluate the effectiveness of a policy, while also considering the normative implications of that policy for individual rights and dignity.
• Misconception: Empirical analysis is objective, while normative analysis is subjective.
• The right view: Empirical analysis is based on data and evidence, but it is still subject to interpretation and bias. Normative analysis, on the other hand, is based on values and principles, but it can be informed by empirical evidence and data.
• Misconception: Normative approaches are only relevant in the context of idealized or hypothetical scenarios.
• The right view: Normative approaches are relevant in a wide range of contexts, including real-world policy debates and decision-making. For example, a scholar might use normative principles to evaluate the morality of a particular policy or practice, even if it is not idealized or hypothetical.

5. Exam/Essay Tips

• Multiple-choice questions: Be careful to distinguish between normative and empirical approaches, and to recognize the implications of each for policy and practice.
• Free-response questions: Use empirical evidence and data to support your arguments, while also considering the normative implications of your recommendations.
• Trap distinctions: Be aware of common trap distinctions, such as pluralism vs. elitism, and dual federalism vs. cooperative federalism.
• Integrating the topic into an argumentative essay: Use normative and empirical approaches to inform your argument, and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different policy options.

6. Quick Practice Scenario

A president deploys troops without Congressional approval – which constitutional principle is at stake?

Answer: The principle of separation of powers is at stake, as the president's action violates the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war.

7. Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Separate but equal was overturned by Brown v. Board – Plessy v. Ferguson was the earlier, racist ruling.
• John Locke argued that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property.
• Max Weber developed the concept of the "ideal type," which involves creating a hypothetical model of a political system based on its underlying values and principles.
• Robert Dahl proposed the concept of "polyarchy," which describes a system of government characterized by multiple centers of power and the presence of competing interests.
• Game Theory is a mathematical framework for analyzing strategic decision-making in situations where the outcome depends on the actions of multiple individuals or groups.
• Pluralism is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the presence of multiple centers of power and the importance of competition among interest groups in shaping policy outcomes.
• Dual Federalism is a constitutional framework that divides power between the federal government and the states, with each level of government having distinct areas of authority.
• Separation of Powers is a constitutional principle that divides power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

8. Further Study Resources

• American Government: Stories of a Nation by David McKay, Richard C. Kearney, and Joe Thomas
• Khan Academy units on political science and government
• Crash Course Government YouTube channel