Political Science Research in Practice
Elizabeth S Smith editor Akan Malici editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:27th May '26
£56.99
This title is due to be published on 27th May, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Nothing rings truer to those teaching political science research methods: students hate taking this course. Tackle the challenge and turn the standard research methods teaching model on its head with Political Science Research in Practice, edited by Akan Malici and Elizabeth S. Smith. Featuring all new contributions from scholars in this third edition, students are engaged first with timely and pressing political questions. In an accessible and personal way, scholars then provide students with firsthand accounts of how they answered these questions. Students learn from these scholars about the challenges of research as well as the joys of discovery while also learning research methods, including case studies, the comparative method, field research experiments, interviews, statistical research, survey research, program evaluation, content analysis, and list experiments. Through firsthand, issue‑based discussions, students can better appreciate why methods matter. They will be intrigued to think about their own research projects as they are equipped to conduct them.
The third edition now includes:
• All new scholarly research topics chosen especially for their interest to college students, ranging from issues surrounding environmental sustainability, to the political attitudes of youth, to political tolerance and conspiracy thinking.
• Updated discussion of the particular challenges faced by scholars in the post‑truth, alternative facts world in which we live.
• Revised and updated “Exercises and Discussion Questions” sections.
• Revised and updated “Interested to Know More” and “Recommended Resources” sections.
• Revised and updated chapter on ethical and normative considerations in research as well as a discussion on what constitutes a good political science class and the public responsibility of political scientists.
Unlike traditional methods textbooks that foreground abstract concepts, Political Science Research in Practice teaches each core method through a scholar’s real study — showing how researchers choose questions, make design decisions, and learn from setbacks along the way. The result is a methods course that feels concrete, human, and intellectually motivating.
Dr. Yi Edward Yang, James Madison University
This volume brings political science research methods to life for undergraduates. It provides an engaging and accessible introduction to a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods with applications to a broad range of substantive topics. In sharing the backstories of their projects, the authors help students translate natural curiosity about their own life experiences and current events into rigorous social science research designs.
Shamira Gelbman, Professor of Political Science, Wabash College
Political Science Research in Practice (3rd) conveys to those new to the field how interesting the science in political science can be. It teaches core methods by finding researchers working on today’s most interesting questions and having them discuss their process of discovery—the key question, the right method, and the path to results. The stories capture student interest and create a human, substantive text that conveys the important material in the discipline. The best single text I’ve found.
Dr. Douglas L. Koopman, Senior Research Fellow, Calvin University
Political Science Research in Practice is uniquely essential: its manner of embedding elements of research design and methods within topically diverse chapters that show “how it was done” makes it a valuable addition to any course in political science aiming to enhance students’ understanding of how to read and more intimately understand the scholarly literature with which they are engaged.
Michael Eugene Alvarez, Associate Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Bergen
ISBN: 9781032797175
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 453g
238 pages
3rd edition