Post-behavioralism in political theory emerged primarily as a critique of:

Correct option is D

The correct answer is d). empirical and quantitative behavioral methods lacking normative relevance.

Detailed Explanation of Post-Behavioralism
Post-behavioralism emerged in the late 1960s as a direct critique of the limitations and perceived failings of the dominant Behavioral Revolution in political science. It was not a complete rejection of empirical methods but a call for their reform and re-prioritization.

The Core Critique: The Twin Slogans
The dissatisfaction that led to post-behavioralism was summarized by David Easton (who was himself a leading behavioralist) with two famous slogans: Relevance and Action.

Critique of "Scientism" and Lack of Relevance:

Behavioralists sought to make political science a "pure science" by focusing intensely on sophisticated empirical and quantitative methods (statistics, surveys, data).
Post-behavioralists argued that in their zeal for methodological rigor, behavioralists often studied trivial or easily quantifiable issues, neglecting the pressing social and political crises of the time (e.g., the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, poverty).

The critique was: "It is better to be vaguely right than precisely wrong." They charged that the field was "fiddling while Rome burns."

Critique of Value-Neutrality (Lack of Normative Relevance):

Behavioralists insisted on value-neutrality—separating facts from values.

Post-behavioralists argued this was impossible and undesirable. They emphasized that political research is inherently value-laden and should actively engage with normative concepts (justice, equality, liberty) to provide guidance for social action and reform. They sought to reintegrate values and ethics back into political inquiry.

Therefore, the movement was a protest against a methodologically strict (empirical and quantitative) approach that had lost sight of the need for normative guidance and social relevance.