POLI 311 Study Guide - Final Guide: Scientific Method, Intersubjectivity, Empiricism
29 Jun 2016
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September 10, 2015: lecture 2 key points: Empiricism requires that every knowledge claim be based upon systematic observation. We assume that our senses provide the most accurate and reliable information about what is happening around us. Obtaining information systematically through our senses helps to guard against bias. Intersubjectivity provides the essential safeguard against bias by requiring that our knowledge claims be transmissible and replicable. Our knowledge claims must be open to inspection: our procedures must be public. They have to be spelled out as to enable replication. If another social scientists chooses to replicate the study he/she should be able to get the same results: explanation. The goal of the scientific method is explanation. A political phenomenon is explained by showing how it is related to something else. Empirical research involves a search for recurring patterns in the way that phenomena are related to one another. Our aim is to develop a generalized understanding by discovering interrelationships between political phenomena.
