Formal Models in Political Science

Abstract

In recent years the journals have published an increasing number of articles which present or utilize formal models of political behavior and political processes. At present, however, this research probably reaches only a small audience. In an effort to broaden that audience this paper attempts (1) to describe and illustrate the use of formal models, (2) to explain why some believe that the construction of models is a useful research method, (3) to identify subfields in which models exist and suggest others where models should exist, (4) to discuss various types of existing models, (5) to offer some basic critical standards according to which research which involves models can be judged.

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