Choice Theory

             There are numerous methods that can be used to approach the study of political analysis, from techniques that involve the application of complex scientific systems to the less empirical methods such as the rational choice theory. The benefit of the rational choice theory in the field of political science has been a subject of much debate as it has been suggested that the approach that the theory takes is unable to produce firm results with a solid foundation. Here, I will explain the nature of the rational choice theory and attempt to assess its usefulness.
             Those who use the rational choice model in analyzing politics use formal mathematical patterns in order to study their subject. Members of this school simplify politics in that they offer a view of what politics would look like if certain assumptions about society and human beings were true, and the empirical evidence they offer is based upon the legitimacy of these assumptions. This approach has been applied to a wide range of political activity from the formation of political parties and government policy to vote choice and turnout at elections. Rational choice theorists argue that the study of political analysis need not necessarily include every detail of political information, such as dates, names and places, but that an alternative view can offer a distinctive insight into the nature of political life. One of the central assumptions made by rational choice theorists is that every human being is driven by self interest and logically calculates his or her moves in order to maximize their own interests. The theory is individualistic in that it views the world as being composed of just individuals and their personal and economic objectives such as aiming to obtain more money, a bigger house, a better job etc. Rational choice theorists argue that politics begins with the behavior in individuals. According to them, groups do not act; policies are not made by governments but by p...

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Choice Theory. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 19:21, April 19, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/91001.html