ABSTRACT

Thoroughly updated, more concise than the previous edition, and available for the first time in paperback, "Research Methods for Political Science" is designed to help students learn what to research, why to research, and how to research. The text integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in one volume, and includes the most comprehensive coverage of qualitative methods currently available. It covers such important topics as research design, specifying research problems, designing questionnaries and writing questions, designing and carrying out qualitative research, and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative research data. Heavily illustrated, classroom tested, and exceptionally readable and engaging, the text also provides specific instructions on the use of available statistical software programs such as Excel and SPSS.

part |2 pages

Part 1 Foundations of Political Science Research

chapter 1|12 pages

Research Fundamentals

chapter 2|14 pages

Research Approaches and Methods

chapter 3|11 pages

Understanding the Research Process

chapter 5|9 pages

Preparing a Research Proposal

part |2 pages

Part 2 Quantitative Research Approaches and Methods

chapter 7|17 pages

Introduction to Quantitative Methods

chapter 8|13 pages

Exploratory Research: The Probing Approach

chapter 9|16 pages

Descriptive Research: The Survey Approach

chapter 10|16 pages

Causal Research: The Experimental Approach

chapter 12|19 pages

Testing Research Hypotheses

chapter 13|16 pages

Introduction to Nonparametric Statistics

chapter 15|16 pages

Exploring Multivariate Statistics

part |2 pages

Part 3 Qualitative Research Approaches and Methods

part |2 pages

Part 4 Preparing and Presenting Research Findings

chapter 24|20 pages

Organizing and Writing a Research Report

chapter 25|19 pages

Introduction to Statistical Software