Profession political scientist

Political scientists conduct research into political structures, movements and behaviour. They document and report on findings to inform and guide political and individual actions.

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Personality Type

  • Investigative / Conventional
  • Investigative / Artistic

Related professions civil service national

  • Diplomat
  • Government licensing official
  • Government property inspector
  • Government tax or excise official
  • Legislator
  • Policy advisor
  • Policy or administration professional, all other
  • Regulatory government associate professional, all other
  • Senior government official
  • Senior non-legislative official

Knowledge

  • Statistics

    The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

  • Scientific research methodology

    The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

  • Government policy implementation

    The procedures involved in the implementation of government policies in national and local governmental organisations.

  • Political ideologies

    The various political ideologies that represent a set of ethical ideas, principles, symbols, myths and doctrines, followed by individuals, groups, classes or institutions and offer an explanation on how a society should work.

  • Government policy

    The political activities, plans, and intentions of a government for a legislative session for concrete causes.

  • Political science

    The systems of government, the methodology concerning the analysis of political activity and behaviour, and the theory and practice of influencing people and acquiring governance.

  • Politics

    The method, process and study of influencing people, gaining control over a community or society, and the distribution of power within a community and between societies.

Skills

  • Perform scientific research

    Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

  • Report analysis results

    Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.

  • Apply scientific methods

    Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

  • Apply statistical analysis techniques

    Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

Optional knowledge and skills

advise on public relations foreign affairs develop professional network advise on legislative acts observe new developments in foreign countries perform public relations write research proposals political parties develop scientific theories international law conduct qualitative research provide technical expertise maintain relationships with government agencies write scientific papers election law economics advise legislators conduct quantitative research assess risk factors sociology teach political science analyse foreign affairs policies analyse election procedures apply teaching strategies advise on foreign affairs policies conduct public surveys political campaigning

Common job titles

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  • Sr research scientist
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