Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills

The most accessible and practical guide to research methods written especially for politics and international relations students.

Selling Points

- Discusses step-by-step how to conduct research to support students through the entire research process

- Broad coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods makes it relevant to any research project

- Discussion of key debates of theory, methodology, and the philosophy of social science to broaden students’ knowledge of research methods

- Includes a range of learning features such as chapter summaries and test questions to re-enforce students’ understanding of research methods

- Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support

New to this Edition

- New content on mixed methods in Chapter 6 to highlight the advantages of using different methods or approaches as part of the same study.

- Additional coverage of recent debates and concerns about transparency in research and ’open science’, digital data, and analysing social media content.

- Updated examples throughout to cover topical issues in political research, such as the rise of far-right movements ad parties, issues relating to immigration and refugees, and the intergenerational transmission of political preferences

- Now available as an enhanced ebook, featuring video reflections from recent graduates who share their experience of conducting independent research, self-test questions, and flashcard glossaries

Digital

Political Research Methods is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and it is supported by online resources.

The following additional resources are available to students:

- Other Students Say videos, where graduate students in Politics and International Relations share their experience conducting research

- Self-test questions at the end of each chapter section allow students to check and consolidate their knowledge

- Flashcard glossaries improve understanding of content

- Example datasets to prompt active engagement and hands-on experience

Adopting lecturers will have access to the following teaching support resources:

- Seminar questions and activities
- Tutorials for data analysis software
- Test bank of questions
- PowerPoint slides

Sandra Halperin, Professor of International Relations, , Oliver Heath, Professor of Politics, Royal Holloway, University of London

Sandra Halperin, Professor of International Relations, Royal Holloway, University of London

Oliver Heath, Professor of Politics, Royal Holloway, University of London