Final answer:
The comparative method in politics is a scientific approach used to study and compare political phenomena, focusing on empirical data to test hypotheses and draw conclusions about political behaviors and institutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comparative method of politics is a core approach in political science, drawing heavily on the principles of the scientific method to study and compare political phenomena across different cultures, regions, and systems. Unlike the broader study of politics, which can encompass philosophical discussions, the comparative method emphasizes empirical research—basing its analysis on observable and verifiable evidence. Political scientists using this method seek to develop hypotheses about political behavior and institutions, systematically collect data to test these hypotheses, and ideally, their work is open to scrutiny and verification by others within the community.
Empirical political science, which uses the comparative method, does not aim to establish universal laws as in some natural sciences, but to understand patterns, dynamics, and causal relationships in the political realm. By comparing different political systems, researchers can draw conclusions about how and why governments operate in various ways, and how policies and political actions affect societies. This method is interconnected with other scientific disciplines that rely on systematic observation, logic, and evidence to understand different phenomena.