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. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
2. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
3. 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.
4. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
5. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

6. Social Perceptiveness: ? Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
7. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
8. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
9. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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:

• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Teach political science.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
• Identify issues for research and analysis.
• Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
• Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.