Core Methods and Inquiry in Political Science Research

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 in Political Sciences

The Role of Research Methods in Political Science

Political Science is not merely the study of ideas and theories, but a systematic body of knowledge that helps us understand how political events, policies, and power structures function. To understand these aspects deeply and with evidence, research methods are essential. These methods provide a systematic framework for observation, data collection, and analysis so that the conclusions can be reliable and verifiable.

Defining Research

The word Research is derived from the Sanskrit root “षध” (shadh), which means “search for truth.” It is a systematic effort through which we deeply examine a subject or problem and arrive at new conclusions that contribute to the development of both society and science.

Major Thinkers’ Views on Research

John W. Best: In his book Research in Education (1986), he stated: “Research is an investigation in which scientific methods are used to try to solve problems.”
Clifford Woody: According to him, “Research is a systematic process in which the problem is identified, facts are collected, and analyzed to find a solution.”

Importance of Studying Research Methods

Development of Scientific Outlook: Research methods instill a scientific way of thinking and understanding. This helps us analyze information based on evidence and logic, rather than guesswork or emotions, making political information more accurate and reliable.
Analysis of Complex Political Events: Political events—such as elections, laws, government policies, and international relations—are often complex. Research methods provide a systematic way to understand these events, allowing us to clearly understand their cause, effect, and relationships.
Efficiency in Data Collection and Interpretation: Research methods teach us how to gather information (data) properly and how to interpret its meaning. For example, learning how to conduct surveys, formulate questions, and analyze statistics makes the information obtained more accurate and useful.
Ensuring Ethics and Reliability: Research requires adherence to ethical standards, such as keeping people’s information confidential, avoiding false data, and maintaining impartiality. Research methods help us understand and follow these ethical rules, which makes our work reliable.
Connecting Global and Local Contexts: Research methods help us understand how local problems and policies are connected to larger global events. This allows us to view an issue from a global perspective, increasing the possibilities for comparison, learning, and collaboration, thereby making political research international rather than regionally limited.

Major Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods: These methods are based on numbers and statistics. They involve collecting and analyzing data from sources like surveys, censuses, or elections. This helps determine how many people think a certain way, what is common, and what changes are taking place over time. This method aids in understanding political decisions and policies in a scientific manner.
Qualitative Research Methods: In this method, subjects are understood in depth, focusing on people’s thoughts, experiences, emotions, and social environment. It involves the use of interviews, discussions, and case studies. This method is useful when seeking the reasons behind a movement, protest, or political thinking, making political knowledge more human and sensitive.
Comparative Research Method: This method compares the political systems, laws, or policies of two or more countries or states. This helps in understanding what is working better in which place and why. This method is useful for policy-making and political reforms.
Historical Research Method: This method studies past events and policies to understand the roots of today’s politics. It helps in understanding how present decisions are connected to past experiences or events.

Conclusion on Research Methods

Research methods in political science do not limit the subject to theories only, but help in deeply understanding, analyzing, and finding solutions to political events, policies, and social structures by making the study scientific, systematic, and practical. This contributes actively to the democratic system, policy-making, and social reform.

Human Inquiry and Social Science Research

The relationship between human inquiry and social science research is deeply interconnected. Since early civilizations, humans have continuously tried to understand their experiences and social surroundings. This curiosity gradually transformed into systematic study, laying the foundation of social science research. During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, methods of thinking and experiencing improved, further strengthening this field. Today, social science research is the scientific form of that same historical human inquiry, serving as a vital tool for solving social complexities.

Defining Inquiry and Research

Human Inquiry: Refers to the investigation of an event or incident that involves human elements. This inquiry often focuses on human errors, factors, and behavior, aiming to understand how humans function and what role they play.
Social Science Research: The systematic study of human behavior and social relationships, including subjects like politics, sociology, economics, and psychology.

The Relationship Between Inquiry and Research

The Origin of Curiosity: Both human inquiry and social science research begin with curiosity. When we ask questions like “Why do people behave this way?” or “Why is poverty increasing?”—this reflects human inquiry. Social science research attempts to understand this curiosity through scientific methods, such as conducting surveys and collecting data.
The Journey from Informal to Formal Investigation: Early human inquiry, such as observing traditions or drawing conclusions based on personal experience, is often informal. Social science formalizes these ideas through interviews, case studies, or data analysis, allowing personal thinking to be presented in an authentic form useful for society.
Use of the Scientific Method: Social science research gives a scientific form to human thinking. It includes observation, forming a hypothesis, collecting data, and analyzing it. For example, if someone believes that education reduces crime, this is tested through research using data, making the conclusion reliable and fact-based.
Expanding Social Understanding: Human inquiry often remains small-scale, based on an individual’s personal experiences (e.g., observing neighborhood behavior). Social science research takes this thinking to larger questions, such as understanding poverty, discrimination, or globalization. An individual’s curiosity transforms into an understanding of the whole society. For example, research on migration shows that reasons include lack of education, employment, and opportunities.

Importance in Addressing Social Challenges

Deep Understanding of Social Problems: Social science research organizes human inquiry to help understand complex social problems like poverty, lack of education, or health inequality. For instance, research showing the link between education and employment increases social mobility, helping policymakers implement effective solutions like free education schemes.
Assistance in Policy Making: Human inquiry and social science research provide evidence for policy formulation. Policies based on research data improve social welfare. For example, schemes like MGNREGA in India were based on research to reduce rural unemployment.
Promoting Social Change: Social science research inspires social movements and reforms by exposing inequality, discrimination, or injustice, thereby increasing the demand for change. Research on gender equality, for example, has inspired policies for women’s rights. Human inquiry initiates this process, which research systematizes.
Encouraging Critical Thinking: Human inquiry inspires individuals to ask questions and challenge stereotypes. Social science research provides a scientific basis for this thinking, enabling people to draw fact-based conclusions. Research on climate change, for example, has inspired environmental protection efforts, promoting awareness and logical thinking.
Improvement in Everyday Life: Research has improved education, health, and public services. During COVID-19 in India, social science research guided vaccine distribution and awareness campaigns. It is vital for improving people’s lives and addressing social challenges.

Conclusion on Inquiry and Research

Human inquiry and social science research complement each other. Human inquiry arouses curiosity, while social science research helps to understand social phenomena by making it scientific and systematic. Together, both contribute to understanding and solving the problems of society. Despite challenges such as complexity and ethical issues, their importance is indispensable in improving society.

Historical Development of Political Inquiry

The main objective of political research is to understand the relationship between power, governance, and society. Political inquiry emerged as a critical tool to analyze political events, institutions, and ideologies. Evolving from ancient philosophy to modern scientific methods, it helps interpret the past, understand current issues, and guide future decisions, making it essential for a deeper and rational understanding of politics in today’s complex world.

Meaning and Purpose of Political Inquiry

Political Inquiry involves a systematic and critical analysis of political institutions, processes, ideologies, and the exercise of power. Its purpose is to understand politics, improve governance, and promote justice and equality in society.

Key Aspects of Political Inquiry

Empirical Aspect: Based on facts, evidence, and data—for example, analyzing how democracy functions.
Normative Aspect: Based on ethics and ideals—for example, determining how governance should be.

Scope of Political Inquiry

Political Institutions: Investigating the structure and role of governments, parliaments, and courts.
Political Processes: Analyzing processes such as elections, policymaking, and diplomatic decisions.
Political Behavior: Studying public opinion, voter behavior, and social movements.

Origin and Historical Development: Indian and Western Contexts

Early Thought and Philosophy (Ancient India and Greece): The intellectual foundation was laid in ancient civilizations. Kautilya’s Arthashastra in India and the works of Plato and Aristotle in Greece gave a structured and analytical form to political ideology and governance. During this period, politics was closely linked to morality, ideals, and conduct, marking the beginning of ideological analysis.
Medieval Period and Religious Influence: During this era, political inquiry came under religious influence. In India, Manusmriti outlined the concept of Rajdharma, while in the West, Church authority shaped governance within a religious framework. Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas supported divine-right-based rule. Although independent political analysis was limited, discussions on ethical governance continued.
Beginning of the Modern Era (17th–18th Century): This period saw political inquiry take a more scientific form. Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Rousseau developed the social contract theory, focusing on the limits of government and citizens’ rights. In the West, inquiry began emphasizing logic and evidence-based study.
Colonial Period and Political Awareness (19th–20th Century): Political inquiry began addressing social changes. In India, reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Mahatma Gandhi critiqued colonial governance. In the West, Karl Marx and Max Weber deeply analyzed power, society, and class. This period saw a growing focus on social justice and reform.
Post-Independence and Contemporary Period: After independence, political inquiry in India took the form of a scientific discipline. It became an academic subject, and scholars like David Easton and Gabriel Almond conducted research on political behavior and systems. Today, political inquiry extensively studies democracy, federalism, electoral systems, and human rights.

The Need and Relevance in Modern Society

For Political Understanding: Political inquiry helps in understanding how governments function, how policies are made, and how decisions affect people. This increases public awareness, enabling citizens to make informed and thoughtful choices.
For Identifying Problems: This process uncovers the underlying causes of social issues, opening pathways for reforms and facilitating social development.
For Future Planning: Political inquiry allows the potential impact of a policy or decision to be understood in advance. This enables society and the government to take timely and appropriate actions, leading to better outcomes.
For Effective Policy-Making: By analyzing past experiences and data, new policies are crafted that are more practical and beneficial, directly improving people’s lives.
For Strengthening Democracy: Political inquiry raises citizen awareness. People monitor governance activities, exercise their rights, and make democracy more vibrant and accountable.

Conclusion on Political Inquiry

Political inquiry has gradually evolved over time and has become crucial in today’s society. It enables us to better understand governments, policies, and public needs, promoting equality, justice, and good governance.

Sources and Citations in Academic Research

Sources and citations play an important role in political research. Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources enhance the quality of research. Citation styles like APA, MLA, and APSA help in making the research clear and well organized. Proper citation upholds academic integrity and helps avoid plagiarism. However, challenges such as source management, accuracy, and consistency in citation style must be addressed. All these elements are essential for conducting effective research in politics.

Types of Research Sources

Primary Sources: These sources provide direct information or data and are considered highly reliable. Examples: Election manifestos, speeches delivered in parliament, interviews with political leaders.
Secondary Sources: These sources interpret or analyze original political documents or events. Examples: Books containing political analysis, research articles, news reports.
Tertiary Sources: These sources offer summaries or overviews of previously published information and help in understanding the background of a topic.

Major Citation Styles

APA Style (American Psychological Association): Most commonly used in social sciences, education, and humanities. It includes the author’s name, year of publication, and page number, following a clean, structured, and scientific format.
MLA Style (Modern Language Association): Mostly used in subjects like literature, arts, languages, and history. It includes the author’s name and page number in citations, helping present authors’ ideas accurately and clearly.
Chicago/Turabian Style: Suitable for history and social sciences, this style uses footnotes (comments at the bottom of the page), endnotes (comments at the end), and a bibliography (list of sources). It contributes to making research more detailed and authentic.
APSA Style (American Political Science Association):: Specifically designed for research in political science, this style includes in-text citations and a reference list at the end, helping present political information in a clear and organized manner.

The Importance of Sources and Citations

Academic Integrity: Proper use of sources and citations upholds the ethics of research. It acknowledges the contributions of other scholars, helps avoid plagiarism, and enhances the credibility and respectability of the research.
Transparency and Verification: Citations guide readers to the original sources of information. This enables fact-checking and independent verification, increasing trust in the research findings and ensuring transparency among scholars.
Advancing Knowledge: Research builds upon existing knowledge. Accurate citations demonstrate whether the new study extends, refines, or critiques previous work, contributing to the accumulation of knowledge and the systematic development of the subject.
Ensuring Objectivity and Balance: Proper sourcing and citation include diverse viewpoints. This prevents the research from relying solely on sources that support the author’s opinion, making the study more balanced, objective, and comprehensive and reducing the chances of misinterpretation.
Enhancing Readability and Consistency: A structured citation style enhances the clarity, organization, and readability of the research. It maintains consistency and makes it easier for future researchers to reference and build upon the work.

Analytical Study: Major Challenges

Challenge of Information Management: In the digital age, the overwhelming number of available sources makes effective management difficult. Properly organizing and citing these sources requires significant time and effort, complicating the research process.
Accuracy Issues: Even minor errors in the author’s name, publication date, or page number can reduce the credibility of the research. Incorrect citations lead to academic mistakes, requiring careful verification of every detail.
Inconsistency in Citation Styles: Maintaining uniformity is challenging due to the variety of sources and formats. Using multiple citation styles can make the research appear inconsistent and disorganized, confusing readers.
Difficulty in Updating Styles: Adapting to new versions and updated rules of citation styles can be difficult. If researchers do not stay updated, they may use outdated or incorrect formats, which violate academic standards.
Risk of Plagiarism: Poor citation management can unintentionally lead to plagiarism, undermining academic integrity. To prevent this, it is essential to provide accurate citations and use plagiarism detection software.
Problems with Digital Sources: Online content may be moved or deleted, leading to broken references. Inaccessibility of outdated or restricted sources also makes verification difficult.

Conclusion on Sources and Citations

Accurate sources and citations are essential in research. They make the study precise, clear, and trustworthy. Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources are used, along with citation styles like APA and MLA, to ensure academic rigor.

Formulating Effective Research Problems and Questions

In political science, a research problem is a topic that needs to be understood or resolved. By studying previous research, we identify the questions already asked and the gaps in knowledge. Essential books and data are selected to form a hypothesis. The topic is narrowed down to frame clear and simple questions, making the research accurate, effective, and useful.

Defining the Research Problem

A Research Problem is a topic that we try to understand or solve through research. We aim to gather information about this topic. This problem should be determined clearly and accurately so that the research results are correct and useful.

Points to Keep in Mind While Preparing a Research Problem

Determining Direction and Objective: It is crucial to first understand what we want to know. This requires reviewing previous research to clarify which questions have already been asked and what new information needs to be found.
Identifying Gaps in Existing Research: Literature review helps us understand which aspects have been missed or insufficiently addressed in previous studies. These gaps offer an opportunity for our research problem, leading to the emergence of a new topic.
Choosing the Right Sources and Forming a Hypothesis: It is vital to select the appropriate articles, books, or data. This helps us form an estimate (hypothesis) for the research, giving it a clear direction.

Stages of Preparing a Research Problem

Observation: Carefully observe the events around you to understand which issue is troubling or confusing. This serves as the starting point of the research topic.
Questioning: Analyze the causes and effects of the observed problem. This thinking helps in understanding the depth of the issue and determining the research objective. Example: Seeing low youth participation in voting, one might ask: “Why is there a decline in youth voting?”
Refinement: Narrow and clarify the topic. Example: Instead of the broad topic “Political corruption,” refine it to: “How does corruption reduce public trust in government institutions?”

Importance and Refinement of Research Questions

Importance of Good Research Questions: A good research question is easy to understand, focused on a limited topic, and answerable. It helps the research move in a defined direction and avoids unnecessary information, making the research useful, accurate, and clear.
Process of Constructing Research Questions: First, decide the research objective—whether to explore a new topic or understand the reason for an event. Questions are framed based on this objective:
- Descriptive Questions: Aim to give a clear picture of a situation rather than its causes. Example: “What are the voting patterns among different social groups in urban India?”
- Explanatory Questions: Help to understand why something is happening. Example: “Why are some political parties more popular among young voters?”
Refinement of Research Questions: Broad questions are refined into smaller, specific questions. This process includes:
- Development of Hypothesis: Forming a testable estimate on a topic. Example: “If political corruption increases, public trust in the government will decrease.”
- Operationalization: Clarifying the terms or ideas so they can be measured. Example: Corruption can be measured through instances of bribery, and public trust through surveys or interviews.

Conclusion on Research Problem Formulation

A well-prepared research problem and accurate research questions are the foundation of successful research. They not only make the research work easier but also save time and resources. Good research yields new information and solutions beneficial for society and science.

Empirical Research: Applications in Social Sciences

Empirical research is essential for conducting research in politics. It involves the study of political behavior and processes through original data, surveys, and observations. This method provides accurate and concrete information, which helps in formulating better policies. Empirical research is used in analyzing voting patterns, political trends, party performance, and constitutional documents, highlighting its importance in social science.

Defining Empirical Research

In political research methodology, a study that attempts to understand political behavior, events, policies, and processes through actual data, surveys, interviews, and observations is called Empirical Research.

Main Objectives of Empirical Research

Understanding Political Processes and Behavior: It aims to study people’s political activities, voting patterns, and the functioning of government mechanisms.
Testing Political Theories: Established political ideas and principles are examined through data and factual evidence to assess their validity.
Improving Political Policies: By evaluating the impact of existing policies through data, empirical research helps in formulating new and more effective policy measures.
Providing Evidence-Based Knowledge: It offers concrete and evidence-driven information on political subjects, making political knowledge more reliable and trustworthy.

Applications of Empirical Research

Surveys and Questionnaires: Used to understand political behavior by collecting information from people about their voting patterns, political opinions, and preferences. These data help identify political trends and provide a solid foundation for policy-making. Example: Collecting data to study the relationship between education and voting behavior.
Voting Behavior Analysis: Empirical data is analyzed to understand voting patterns across different demographic groups (caste, religion, income, region). Such analysis helps evaluate political parties’ strategies using data. Example: Using exit poll data to understand caste-based voter trends.
Large-Scale Data Analysis: Election data spanning multiple years is studied to comprehend political changes over time. This reveals party performance, voter shifts, and regional influences, helping to understand long-term political trends. Example: Studying past election results to analyze changes in the strength of regional parties.
Empirical Testing of Constitutional Elements: Empirical methods examine the alignment between constitutional ideals and practical political behavior. This involves comparative study of legal documents, political decisions, and social responses, linking democratic values with real-world politics. Example: Conducting a comparative study of the preambles of India and Pakistan to understand political ideologies.

Importance of Empirical Research in Social Sciences

Collection of Real Information: Empirical research gathers information directly from people, events, or data sources, providing accurate and authentic facts about society and politics, making understanding more reliable.
Assistance in Making Informed Decisions: The data helps policymakers make sound decisions. Policies based on real problems yield better outcomes that benefit society.
Study of Social Behavior: Empirical research enables the study of people’s behavior, mindset, and social relationships, which helps in understanding the causes, patterns, and change in society.
Testing and Refining Theories: This research offers opportunities to test and improve existing theories. It either confirms old ideas or generates new knowledge, enhancing the understanding of politics and society.
Help in Discovering New Knowledge and Solutions: Empirical research uncovers new facts and solutions, helping find practical ways to understand and address complex social issues.

Evaluation of Empirical Research

Empirical research helps in understanding society and politics as it is based on real data. It provides accurate and precise information, leading to better decision-making. However, it can be time-consuming and costly, and sometimes data collection can be challenging. Still, it is very useful and essential for understanding social problems and finding solutions.

Discourse Analysis and Archival Research in Political Studies

In political research, both discourse analysis and archival research are essential approaches. Discourse Analysis helps in understanding the construction of political identity, thought, and power through language. Archival Research involves studying historical documents to examine political history, decisions, and policies. Together, these approaches provide a profound understanding of political events, ideologies, and leadership speeches, thereby clarifying the relationship between political processes and the public.

Discourse Analysis

Discourse Analysis is a study of how people use language to construct ideas, identities, and power through conversations, speeches, or written material. Its aim is to understand the influence and relations established through language in politics.

Main Aspects of Discourse Analysis

Theoretical Foundations: According to Gee (2010), language is a tool for constructing political reality, profoundly impacting politics and society. Discourse analysis helps to understand how language shapes political thinking and norms. Example: Studying political speeches shows how leaders influence public opinion and emotions through their use of language.
Textual Analysis: According to Sandra and Heath (2020), an in-depth study of language is essential for understanding political messages and power, revealing hidden meanings and political intentions. Example: Analyzing media coverage during a political crisis helps uncover different perspectives through language analysis.
Historical Personalities: According to Phadnis and Kashyap (2019), leaders’ speeches play a key role in shaping national identity, reinforcing public perception and political legitimacy. Example: Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech shaped India’s independence and future direction.

Archival Research

Archival Research is the study in which political events and documents of the past are examined. Its purpose is to understand political decisions, behavior, and policies from history and to provide accurate information for current political studies.

Main Aspects of Archival Research

Archival Theory: According to Paul, Gray, and Melvin (2009), archives are used to understand political events and history. Special attention must be given to the authenticity of documents and their historical context. Example: Studying the correspondence between Gandhi and Ambedkar to understand their political perspectives.
Theorizing Politics: According to Hazareesingh and Nabulsi (2008), archival data can be used to develop theories about political behavior, governance structures, and movements. This serves as a historical foundation for contemporary political ideas. Example: Understanding the development of India’s federal structure through the archival records of Constituent Assembly debates.

The Combined Role in Political Studies

Language and Political Identity: Discourse analysis helps understand political identity and ideas through language. Archival research provides historical evidence from old documents. Together, they clarify the impact of language and identity in politics.
History and Events: Archival research examines documents related to past political events and leaders. Discourse analysis interprets the language and messages of these events. Together, they offer a more comprehensive view of political history.
Development of Political Ideology: Discourse analysis explains the construction of political ideology and power through language. Archival research traces the evolution of ideology through historical records. Combined, they aid in understanding political theories.
Political Decisions and Public Relations: Archival research examines documents related to political decisions. Discourse analysis explains ways of engaging with the public through speeches and dialogues. Together, they clarify the relationship between political processes and the public.

Evaluation of Discourse and Archival Research

Discourse analysis helps to understand political language and ideas, while archival research provides information about history and decisions through historical documents. Discourse analysis reveals the influence of language in the present but can sometimes include subjective interpretations. Archival Research is fact-based, though it may face challenges due to the scarcity of documents. Together, they clarify political ideas and history comprehensively.

Research Methods in Political Science: Contributions and Challenges

In Political Science, research methodology is the process through which a researcher finds answers to questions. Various research methods help in understanding political behavior, voting patterns, electoral changes, and political parties. In India, these methods are important for analyzing elections, policies, and social issues. However, challenges like lack of data, researcher bias, and ethical concerns must be addressed.

Contribution of Different Research Methods

Surveys and Questionnaires: People are directly asked questions to understand their political preferences, voting habits, and opinions. According to Dutta and Vaid (2018), this method collects both quantitative and qualitative data, which helps in understanding the deeper reasons behind political behavior.
Analysis of Voting Behavior: Kumar and Rai (2013) explain that factors like caste, religion, age, education, and income help in understanding voting patterns. Exit polls, surveys, and statistics make it possible to predict election results, contributing to electoral strategies.
Large-Scale Data Analysis: As per Jensenius and Verniers (2017), analyzing long-term electoral data provides a deeper understanding of political changes, the rise of regional parties, and voting patterns. This helps in studying political behavior and evaluating policy changes.
Constitutional Study and Impact of Identity: The empirical study by Umma Reddy and Alam (2021) helps understand the difference between what is written in the Constitution and what happens in real political behavior. It also shows how identities like caste, religion, language, and class influence voting, helping to understand political participation and democratic equality.

Application of Research Methods in the Indian Political Context

In a vast and diverse country like India, various methods are crucial:

Empirical Study: Surveys, data analysis, and statistical tools help understand electoral attraction, public opinion, and policy impact. This enables deep study of federalism, coalition politics, and social movements.
Discourse Analysis: Given India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, discourse analysis is useful for understanding how language and narratives are used in politics. It shows how political parties create their ideas and messages and how identities like caste and religion are utilized, helping understand Indian society and voters’ thinking.
Archival Research: India has a rich political history, from the freedom movement to present-day politics. Archival research, based on old documents and reports, helps understand the development of institutions, changes in political culture, and the historical roots of present problems.
Ethnography: Since traditions, languages, and customs from different regions affect politics, ethnography studies politics closely in spaces like panchayats and urban settlements. It reveals how politics works in daily life, exposing informal rules and relationships that are usually hidden.

Major Challenges from Using Various Research Methods

Methodological Rigor: Ensuring that data is accurate and trustworthy is a major challenge when combining different methods. Careful planning is required to ensure the results are valid and clear.
Issue of Subjectivity: When a researcher studies a community deeply or interprets speeches, their own views or biases may influence the results. Therefore, it is important for the researcher to remain cautious and neutral.
Limited Availability of Information: In archival research, old documents are needed, but sometimes these records are unavailable or hard to access. This leads to incomplete historical understanding and limits the scope of research.
Ethical Concerns: In ethnographic research, when information is collected from a community, the researcher must ensure the community’s consent, protect their identity, and make sure there is no harm to them. This is the ethical responsibility of the researcher.

Conclusion on Research Methods and Challenges

Research methods are helpful in understanding elections, identity, and constitutional behavior. However, challenges like ensuring trustworthy data, maintaining neutrality, limited information access, and ethical responsibilities still exist. Addressing these challenges is key to advancing political science research.