Choices for Chinese political science: Methodological positivism or methodological pluralism?

Abstract

Over the past few decades, American political science has placed increasing emphasis on its relevance as a discipline. Like its American counterpart, Chinese political science is experiencing a similar concern regarding its societal relevance as it attempts to assess and focus on China's unique political and social concerns. Should Chinese political science pursue a purely methodological positivist approach or should it engage in a more holistic and methodologically pluralistic approach such as that found in public administration? A mixed-methods approach, which includes both problem-driven research and theory-driven research, might be a better way to serve both the discipline and China.