Final answer:
Political scientists study the creation of political communication to determine its context, which includes all factors surrounding the message's creation. 'Propaganda' is a related concept that refers to using communication strategically for ideological purposes, and context helps to fully understand its deployment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political scientists analyze the reasons behind the creation of political communication to determine its context. This involves understanding the environment in which the message was created, including historical circumstances, the audience it was intended for, and the objectives of the message creators. Considering the basic level of meaning, the term 'propaganda' refers to the strategic use of language and symbols to achieve a specific ideological or social goal. It's important to recognize that while 'propaganda' often has negative connotations, it is a style and function of political content that can serve various purposes, such as legitimizing leadership, mobilizing society, and defining enemy narratives.
As described by Nicholas O'Shaughnessy, propaganda should not be viewed solely in a negative light; it's a complex concept that can contribute to understanding the underlying motives and methods used in political communication. Therefore, knowing the context is essential for political scientists to grasp the full meaning and purpose behind political messages.