Theoretical and Descriptive Approaches in Political Science A theoretical and descriptive approach- Two research frameworks which are different from each other

Components of the Theoretical Approach Characteristic descriptive concepts Characteristic linkage concepts Characteristic questions and problems Research perspective

ParatheoryParatheory In the absence of a theoretical approach and an intellectual heritage which will supply the tools for the construction of a theory, a paratheory assists in four phases: In the absence of a theoretical approach and an intellectual heritage which will supply the tools for the construction of a theory, a paratheory assists in four phases:DomainAnalysis Identifying the problem The development of hypotheses

Types of theories Taxonomic theories Causative theory  Causative theory  Functional theory  Systematic theory Constitutive theories Formal theories  The descriptive model  The heuristic model

Comparative Research- A salient research tool in the social sciences A diachronic comparison (A comparison of the object of study along the axis of space and time.) A synchronic comparison (A comparison between different objects of study at a given point in time.)