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This is the complete lecture note for POL 312 Theory and Practice of Marxism. 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 312 • Course title: Logic and Methods of Political Science Research • Course credit load: 2 SERIES 1: Political Science and the Scientific Method Series outline Part 1: Foundations of Political Science as a Discipline 1.1 Defining Political Science 1.2 The Nature of Politics and Political Inquiry Part 2: The Scientific Method in Political Research 1.2.1 Principles of Scientific Study 1.2.2 Steps in the Scientific Method Part 3: Application of Scientific Method to Political Science 1.3.1 Relevance of Scientific Method to Political Studies 1.3.2 Limitations and Critiques of Scientific Approaches Part 4: Linking Scientific Method to Research Practice 1.4.1 From Theory to Research Questions 1.4.2 Integrating Variables and Hypotheses Introduction Political Science seeks to explain how societies organise power, authority, and governance, and why these arrangements matter to citizens and institutions. To study politics meaningfully, scholars must go beyond opinion and speculation, adopting systematic approaches that allow them to generate reliable knowledge. This Series introduces you to the scientific foundations of Political Science, helping you appreciate why the discipline is regarded as both an art and a science, and why the scientific method is central to its practice. The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of how Political Science employs the scientific method to investigate political phenomena, and to prepare you to apply these principles in your own research. We shall commence this Series by examining the foundations of Political Science as a discipline, focusing on its definition and the nature of political inquiry. Next, we will explore the scientific method itself, considering its principles and the steps involved in conducting scientific study. Following that, we will apply the scientific method to Political Science, highlighting its
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS relevance as well as its limitations. Finally, we will wrap up by linking the scientific method to research practice, showing how theory connects to research questions, variables, and hypotheses. This sequential flow will provide you with both conceptual grounding and practical orientation for the rest of the course. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define Political Science and explain its disciplinary foundations, SLO 1.2 analyse the nature of politics and the role of political inquiry, SLO 1.3 explain the principles of the scientific method and outline its sequential steps, SLO 1.4 apply the scientific method to the study of political phenomena, SLO 1.5 evaluate the limitations and critiques of scientific approaches in Political Science, and SLO 1.6 demonstrate how to link theory to research practice by formulating research questions, identifying variables, and developing hypotheses. 1.1 Foundations Of Political Science As A Discipline 1.1.1 Defining political science Political Science is the systematic study of politics, government, and power relations. It examines how societies organise authority, how decisions are made, and how policies affect citizens and institutions. Unlike casual discussion about politics, Political Science relies on structured methods to generate knowledge that is reliable and testable. The discipline has its historical roots in philosophy, with thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle laying the groundwork for political inquiry. Over time, it evolved into a distinct field that combines theory with empirical research. The scope of Political Science includes areas such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public administration, and policy analysis. Fill in the blank: Political Science is the systematic study of ______, government, and power relations.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing branches of Political Science (e.g., political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public administration, policy analysis). Caption: Figure 1.1 Branches of Political Science 1.1.2 The nature of politics and political inquiry Politics refers to the processes through which power and resources are distributed within a society. It involves negotiation, conflict, cooperation, and decision-making among individuals and groups. At its core, politics is about power relations, meaning who gets what, when, and how. Political inquiry is the process of asking structured questions about political phenomena. It seeks to explain patterns of behaviour, evaluate institutions, and predict outcomes. Inquiry in Political Science is guided by both normative questions (what ought to be) and empirical questions (what is). Fill in the blank: Politics is essentially about ______ relations, meaning who gets what, when, and how.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 1.1 Key features of political inquiry Pilot questions 1.1 Which ancient philosophers are considered foundational to Political Science? What are the five main branches of Political Science? Define politics in terms of power relations. Distinguish between normative and empirical questions in political inquiry. What is the scope of Political Science as a discipline? 1.2 The Scientific Method In Political Research 1.2.1 Principles of scientific study Scientific study refers to the systematic process of investigating phenomena using structured methods that emphasise evidence, logic, and replicability. In Political Science, this means moving beyond personal opinions or ideological positions to adopt approaches that can be tested and verified. The aim is to produce knowledge that is both reliable and valid. The principles of scientific study include objectivity, which means minimising bias in research; systematic observation, which involves collecting data in an organised manner; and replicability, which ensures that findings can be tested again under similar conditions. These principles help Political Science maintain its credibility as a discipline. Fill in the blank: One of the key principles of scientific study is ______, which ensures that findings can be tested again under similar conditions.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing principles of scientific study (objectivity, systematic observation, replicability). Caption: Figure 1.2 Principles of Scientific Study 1.2.2 Steps in the scientific method The scientific method is a structured sequence of steps used to investigate questions and generate knowledge. In Political Science, these steps guide researchers in framing problems, collecting evidence, and drawing conclusions. The steps typically include: Observation: Identifying a political phenomenon or issue that requires explanation. Formulation of a research question: Narrowing the focus to a specific, testable inquiry. Hypothesis development: Proposing a tentative explanation or prediction. Data collection: Gathering relevant information through surveys, interviews, documents, or statistical records. Data analysis: Examining the evidence to test the hypothesis. Conclusion: Drawing inferences and relating findings back to the original question. Fill in the blank: In the scientific method, the step that involves proposing a tentative explanation or prediction is called ______ development.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Table 1.1 Steps in the Scientific Method Pilot questions 1.2 What are the three main principles of scientific study? Define objectivity in the context of Political Science research. List the sequential steps of the scientific method. Which step of the scientific method involves gathering information through surveys or interviews? Why is replicability important in Political Science research? 1.3 Application Of Scientific Method To Political Science 1.3.1 Relevance of scientific method to political studies The scientific method is highly relevant to Political Science because it provides a structured way of investigating complex political phenomena. Politics often involves competing interests, diverse perspectives, and dynamic processes. By applying the scientific method, researchers can move beyond speculation and ideology to produce evidence-based explanations. This strengthens the credibility of Political Science as a discipline and allows its findings to inform policy-making, governance, and public debate. For example, when studying voter behaviour, researchers can formulate hypotheses about why people vote in certain ways, collect survey data, and analyse patterns to test those hypotheses. This process ensures that conclusions are not merely based on assumptions but are supported by empirical evidence.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The scientific method strengthens the credibility of Political Science by ensuring that findings are based on ______ evidence. Image showing a researcher conducting a political survey with citizens. Caption: Plate 1.1 Application of Scientific Method in Political Studies 1.3.2 Limitations and critiques of scientific approaches While the scientific method is valuable, it is not without limitations. Politics deals with human behaviour, values, and cultural contexts, which are often difficult to measure with precision. Some critics argue that Political Science cannot be fully scientific because it involves normative questions about justice, fairness, and morality that go beyond empirical observation. Another limitation is that political phenomena are influenced by unpredictable events, such as revolutions, crises, or sudden policy changes. These factors make it challenging to apply rigid scientific models. Nevertheless, acknowledging these critiques helps researchers remain cautious and reflective in their work, balancing scientific rigour with sensitivity to context. Fill in the blank: One limitation of applying the scientific method to politics is that political phenomena are influenced by unpredictable ______.
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