Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills - Softcover

Halperin, Sandra; Heath, Oliver

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198820623 ISBN 13: 9780198820628

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2020

Synopsis

Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills, the market leading textbook in political research methods, is essential reading for students taking a module in research methods as part of a politics or international relations degree. Its accessible, step-by-step approach covers the entire research methods process, equipping students with the necessary skills to successfully conduct their own independent study and research.

With coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods, the book begins by guiding readers on how to come up with a research question, and leads the reader right through to writing up a final report. The book also includes chapters on theory, methodology, and the philosophy of social science, which are fully revised for the third edition to include up-to-date 'real world' examples, such as Gerber and Green's survey on political attitudes or Wantchekon's study on clientelism in Benin. These sections help students to understand essential debates around research methods, as well as sharing practical guidance.

The easy to understand language and straightforward approach of Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills help students get to grips with particularly complex topics relating to epistemological, ontological and mythological research, and quantitative questions such as 'what is data?'.

The third edition reflects key areas of development in the field, such as the increased importance of ethics, and changes in digital research. The book is also enhanced with a range of engaging learning features including chapter summaries, end-of-chapter conclusions and questions, and a guide to further reading, created to reinforce students' understanding of research methods and further explore specific approaches to research.

About this title

About the Author

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

Sandra Halperin, Professor of International Relations, Royal Holloway, University of London, and Oliver Heath, Senior Lecturer in Politics, Royal Holloway, University of London

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198820623
• ISBN 13: 9780198820628
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 528