According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Teach political science. | 91% |
| Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions. | 89% |
| Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources. | 89% |
| Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations. | 86% |
| Advise political science students. | 83% |
| Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions. | 80% |
| Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations. | 79% |
| Identify issues for research and analysis. | 78% |
| Serve on committees. | 63% |
| Forecast political, economic, and social trends. | 60% |
| Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues. | 54% |
| Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations. | 54% |
| Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events. | 53% |
| Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use. | 43% |
