Vaalitutkimus

Vaalitutkimus, or election research, is the academic study of elections and the electoral process. It seeks to understand the causes and consequences of electoral outcomes, the behavior of voters and candidates, and the functioning of electoral systems. Vaalitutkimus employs a variety of methodologies, including surveys, statistical analysis of voting data, qualitative interviews, and historical research.

Key areas of investigation within vaalitutkimus include voter turnout, party loyalty, the impact of media on elections, campaign strategies, and the design of electoral rules. Researchers also examine the factors influencing individual voting decisions, such as socioeconomic status, ideology, and demographic characteristics. The study of election results aims to explain why certain parties or candidates win or lose, and what broader societal trends might be reflected in these outcomes.

In Finland, vaalitutkimus has a long tradition and is conducted by several research institutions and universities. The Finnish National Election Study (Vaalitutkimus Finnish National Election Study) is a prominent example, collecting data through representative surveys after each parliamentary election. The findings from vaalitutkimus are crucial for informing political science theory, understanding democratic processes, and potentially contributing to policy discussions related to electoral reform and democratic health.