Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Loading
Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Political Science · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for POL 304 Political Behaviour, prepared for Political Science students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: POL 304 • Course title: Political Behaviour • Course credit load: 2 SERIES 1: Foundations of Political Behaviour Series outline Part 1.1: Meaning and Scope of Political Behaviour 1.1.1 Definition and nature of political behaviour 1.1.2 Importance of political behaviour in political science 1.1.3 Boundaries and scope of political behaviour Part 1.2: Behaviourism and Principles of Political Behaviour 1.2.1 Emergence of behaviourism in political studies 1.2.2 Core principles of behaviourism 1.2.3 Contributions of behaviourism to political analysis Part 1.3: Determinants of Political Behaviour 1.3.1 Psychological determinants 1.3.2 Social determinants 1.3.3 Economic and cultural determinants Part 1.4: Analytical Patterns of Political Behaviour 1.4.1 Political socialisation as a process 1.4.2 Political culture and its variations 1.4.3 Comparative perspectives on political behaviour Introduction Political behaviour is at the heart of the scientific study of politics. Every society is shaped by the actions, attitudes, and choices of individuals and groups, and these behaviours influence how power is distributed and exercised. By examining political behaviour, learners gain insight into why citizens participate in politics, why some remain apathetic, and how cultural and social factors shape political systems. This Series sets the foundation for understanding the broader themes of political behaviour that will be explored throughout the course. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the meaning, scope, and principles of political behaviour, and to equip you with the ability to analyse its determinants and patterns. By the end of this Series, you will be able to explain the relevance of behaviourism, identify the key influences on political behaviour, and evaluate the analytical frameworks used to study it. We shall commence this Series by examining the meaning and scope of political behaviour, highlighting its importance to political science. Next, we will explore the principles of
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS behaviourism and how they contribute to the study of politics. Following that, we will analyse the various determinants of political behaviour, including psychological, social, economic, and cultural factors. Finally, we will wrap up by considering the analytical patterns of political behaviour, focusing on political socialisation, political culture, and comparative perspectives. This sequential journey will provide you with a strong foundation for the rest of the course. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define the meaning and scope of political behaviour, SLO 1.2 explain the importance of political behaviour to the scientific study of politics, SLO 1.3 describe the emergence and principles of behaviourism in political studies, SLO 1.4 analyse the contributions of behaviourism to political analysis, SLO 1.5 identify psychological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of political behaviour, SLO 1.6 evaluate the role of political socialisation in shaping behaviour, SLO 1.7 distinguish between different forms of political culture, and SLO 1.8 assess comparative perspectives on political behaviour across systems. 1.1 Meaning And Scope Of Political Behaviour 1.1.1 Definition and nature of political behaviour Political behaviour refers to the actions, attitudes, and orientations of individuals and groups towards political processes, institutions, and issues. It encompasses voting, participation in political activities, expressions of opinion, and even apathy or disengagement. In essence, political behaviour is the observable manifestation of how people relate to politics in their everyday lives. To illustrate, when citizens cast their votes, join political parties, or engage in protests, they are demonstrating political behaviour. Conversely, when individuals deliberately avoid political engagement, this too is a form of political behaviour, often termed political apathy, which means a lack of interest or motivation to participate in political processes. Fill in the blank: Political behaviour refers to the ______, attitudes, and orientations of individuals and groups towards political processes.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing different forms of political behaviour (e.g., voting, protesting, apathy). Caption: Figure 1.1 Forms of political behaviour 1.1.2 Importance of political behaviour in political science The study of political behaviour is crucial because it provides insights into how political systems function and evolve. By analysing behaviour, political scientists can explain why citizens support certain policies, why they participate in elections, and why some groups remain disengaged. Political science is the systematic study of politics, governance, and power relations. Within this discipline, political behaviour serves as a bridge between abstract theories and real-world practices. For example, theories of democracy are better understood when we examine how citizens actually participate in democratic processes.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The study of political behaviour provides insights into how ______ systems function and evolve. Box 1.1: Key reasons for studying political behaviour 1.1.3 Boundaries and scope of political behaviour The scope of political behaviour refers to the range of activities and attitudes that can be studied under this concept. It includes electoral behaviour, political communication, public opinion, and political socialisation. Each of these areas provides a different lens for understanding how individuals and groups interact with politics. For instance, electoral behaviour focuses on voting patterns and choices, while political communication examines how messages are transmitted between leaders and citizens. Public
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS opinion studies collective attitudes, and political socialisation explores how individuals acquire political values over time. Fill in the blank: The scope of political behaviour includes electoral behaviour, political communication, ______ opinion, and political socialisation. Table 1.1 Scope of political behaviour Pilot questions 1.1 Political behaviour refers to the actions, attitudes, and orientations of individuals and groups towards what? What term describes a lack of interest or motivation to participate in political processes?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Why is the study of political behaviour important in political science? Name two areas included in the scope of political behaviour. Which area of political behaviour focuses on how individuals acquire political values over time? 1.2 Behaviourism And Principles Of Political Behaviour 1.2.1 Emergence of behaviourism in political studies Behaviourism is an approach to studying politics that emphasises observable actions and measurable data rather than abstract theories. It emerged in the mid-twentieth century as scholars sought to make political science more scientific by focusing on empirical evidence. Behaviourists argued that political analysis should be based on what people actually do in political contexts, such as voting, protesting, or engaging in debates, rather than on what they claim to believe. This shift marked a turning point in political studies, as it encouraged the use of surveys, statistical methods, and experiments to understand political behaviour. Behaviourism therefore brought political science closer to disciplines such as psychology and sociology. Fill in the blank: Behaviourism emphasises observable actions and ______ data rather than abstract theories.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing the transition from traditional political theory to behaviourism. Caption: Figure 1.2 Emergence of behaviourism in political studies 1.2.2 Core principles of behaviourism The principles of behaviourism revolve around the idea that political behaviour can be studied scientifically. Key principles include: Empiricism, which means relying on evidence gathered through observation and measurement. Objectivity, which requires researchers to avoid bias and focus on facts.
This is the opening of the note. Read the full note or download the PDF to continue.
