Political Scientist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A political scientist could...

Overview Listen to this section

Do you watch the news and wonder why and how the governments of different countries make decisions, especially decisions that seem contrary to what you'd expect? You might be a political scientist in the making! Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools to examine the processes and political dynamics of all of the countries of the world.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Political Scientist?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
2. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
3. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
4. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
5. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

6. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
7. Social Perceptiveness: ? Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
8. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
9. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
10. Learning Strategies: ? Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Political Scientist might do:

• Teach political science.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Advise political science students.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
• Identify issues for research and analysis.
• Serve on committees.
• Forecast political, economic, and social trends.