How to Conduct Political Science Research for MPSE-013 Project

How to Conduct Political Science Research

The IGNOU MPSE-013 Project is an essential part of the Master of Arts in Political Science (M.A. Political Science) program. It allows students to implement theoretical knowledge in practical research, facilitating a deeper understanding of political frameworks, governance, international affairs, and public policies. Research work for MPSE-013 involves organized planning, analytical reasoning, and academic standards.

This handbook offers a step-by-step procedure for effective political science research—right from choosing the topic to submitting the final project report.

Purpose of MPSE-013 Project

The MPSE-013: Political Thought: Western and Indian course deals with the history of political theories, ideologies, and political thinkers from ancient to contemporary times. The project aspect assists learners in:

Utilizing political theories in practical scenarios.
Enhancing analytical and research skills.
Recognize the role of political thought in structuring government and policy.
Read political literature critically.

Your research must not only demonstrate your understanding of political terms but also your skill in analyzing and interpreting them in particular contexts.

Step 1: Selecting an Appropriate Research Topic

Picking an appropriate and engaging topic is the key to effective research. Your topic must be relevant to the topics of political theory, governance, public policy, or international politics.

✅ Topic Selection Tips:

Relevance: Make sure the topic has a relation with MPSE-013 topics such as democracy, justice, liberty, equality, or political thought.
Feasibility: Pick a topic that is researchable in the timeframe and resources available.
Originality: Use not-so-very-popular topics. Introduce a fresh viewpoint or comparative element.
Interest: Choose something that you are actually interested in—it keeps you going.

Sample Topics for MPSE-013:

Comparison of Gandhi and Marx on social justice.
Impact of Aristotle’s political thought on current governance.
Relevance of Machiavelli’s political thoughts in the politics of the present day.
Feminist theories in Indian politics.
Liberty and equality in John Stuart Mill’s works.

Your selected topic should be approved by IGNOU prior to initiating data analysis and collection.

Step 2: Framing the Research Problem and Objectives

After settling your topic, clearly define your research problem. A properly framed problem statement gives direction to your research.

How to Frame a Research Problem:

Look for gaps in past research or controversies.
Emphasize the problems that you want to discuss or inquire about.
Define the aim and extent of your research.

Example:

Research Problem: “In spite of extensive debate over Gandhi’s non-violence, its political feasibility in the 21st century has not been explored enough.”
Objectives:

To critically discuss Gandhi’s non-violence philosophy in contemporary politics.
To analyze the usage of non-violence in contemporary political movements.
To see its applicability in democratic decision-making in modern times.

Step 3: Conducting Literature Review

A review of literature makes you aware of what has been done already on your subject. It makes sure your research is added to previous knowledge and not a repetition.

Sources for Literature Review:

IGNOU study materials and books.
Academic articles and research journals.
Books on political thought and philosophers.
Internet databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Government and NGO reports on political systems or political ideologies.

✍️ Writing a Literature Review:

Begin with traditional political philosophies.
Progress to contemporary explanations and implementations.
Emphasize conflict and opposing opinions.
Mark research gaps and assert your study’s relevance.

Step 4: Choosing the Research Methodology

Methodology defines how you’ll carry out your study. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are effective in political science, depending on your subject.

Popular Research Techniques in Political Science:

Descriptive Research: To describe political ideologies, structures, or events.
Analytical Research: To interpret theories or compare political thinkers.
Historical Method: To study the evolution of political thought.
Comparative Method: To compare theories, countries, or policies.
Empirical Research: To collect primary data through surveys, interviews, or case studies.

Example:

Qualitative Approach: Studying Gandhi’s writings and speeches to interpret his views on justice.
Quantitative Approach: Conducting public opinion surveys on civic engagement and political participation.

Always provide a reason for choosing a specific method—it demonstrates academic maturity.

Step 5: Creating the Research Framework

Your step-by-step plan is detailed in a good research design.

Elements of Research Design:

Title of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Objectives of the Study
Hypothesis (wherever applicable)
Scope and Limitations
Data Collection Methods
Analysis Framework
Expected Outcomes

Your design is the blueprint for your MPSE-013 project work.

Step 6: Collecting Data for the Project

Data collection is based on whether your research is primary, secondary, or a combination of both.

Primary Data:

Gathered directly from the ground using:

Questionnaires
Interviews
Case studies
Opinion polls

Secondary Data:

Gathered from pre-existing sources such as:

Books and research papers
Newspaper articles
Government and institutional reports
Online archives

For the majority of MPSE-013 assignments, secondary data is adequate. But if your subject is about ongoing political trends or people’s behavior, gathering primary data enhances value.

Step 7: Data Analysis and Interpretation

After collecting data, analyze it logically to arrive at meaningful conclusions.

For Qualitative Data:

Find patterns, themes, and arguments.
Contrast interpretations of varied political thinkers.
Use supporting quotations and references for your points.

For Quantitative Data:

Represent findings using tables, charts, or graphs.
Reason out statistical data logically.
Indicate important insights which address your research goals.

Ensure your analysis is evidence-based and objective.

Step 8: Structuring and Writing the Project Report

Presenting your research logically and coherently is the essence of writing your MPSE-013 project report.

Standard Structure of the Report:

Title Page
Certificate of Originality
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review of Literature
Research Methodology
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Findings and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendices (if any)

Tips for Writing:

Use plain, academic vocabulary.
Refrain from unsubstantiated opinions.
Adhere to one citation style throughout (APA or MLA).
Ensure cohesive flow between sections.

Step 9: Editing, Proofreading, and Plagiarism Check

Before submission, check your entire project to ensure it is free of errors and plagiarism.

✅ Checklist:

Correction of grammar and sentence structure.
Logical consistency between objectives and findings.
Proper citation and referencing.
Plagiarism-free content (use Turnitin or Grammarly).
Page numbering and formatting consistency.

Remember: IGNOU may reject plagiarized work, so ensure your report is entirely original.

Step 10: Submitting the MPSE-013 Project

After finalizing your report:

Bind the project properly with a soft or hard cover.
Include the Project Proposal Approval Letter from IGNOU.
Attach your Declaration Certificate and Supervisor’s Certificate.
Submit it to your Regional Centre prior to the deadline.

Always retain a digital and hard copy of your project for reference.

Step 11: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing too broad or vague topics.
Direct copying from online materials.
Failure in literature review or referencing.
Poor linkage between objectives and conclusions.
Failure to meet project deadlines.

Avoiding these errors guarantees a robust and credible project submission.

Bonus: How to Score Well in MPSE-013 Project

Begin in advance to have time for research and revisions.
Utilize credible academic sources to support your arguments.
Be consistent with your approach throughout.
Prioritize clarity over jargon.
Seek guidance from your project guide or supervisor.

A well-researched, well-written, and well-original project usually gets the best grades.

Conclusion

Executing political science research for the IGNOU MPSE-013 Project is not merely about completing academic work—it’s about sharpening your skills to think critically about political concepts, analyze governance systems, and bridge theory with practice.

By executing these steps—choosing the appropriate topic, defining objectives, examining literature, utilizing proper methodology, and writing properly—you can develop a quality MPSE-013 project report that demonstrates profound political understanding and research skills.

Stay disciplined, stay analytical, and let your curiosity regarding political systems inform your research process.

How to Conduct Political Science Research for MPSE-013 Project