Explorations: Conducting Empirical Research in Canadian Political Science

Developed specifically for political science students, Explorations provides the necessary tools for thinking about research issues in political science and understanding the power and the limitations of both quantitative and qualitative data. In accessible and engaging language, the authors take students through the steps entailed in empirical research, including conceptualizing research problems, considering ethical guidelines, determining the evidence and data that should be brought to bear, using statistical tests, measuring the concepts that a researcher wishes to address, and describing research findings. Throughout the book, students are actively engaged through exercises that challenge them to apply their understanding to familiar situations.

Dr Keith Archer is professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary. He has written extensively on the subject of elections and voting behaviour for academics and the general public alike. Dr Archer is also an experienced textbook author, having worked on three editions of Parameters of Power (Nelson), and co-edited Regionalism and Party Politics in Canada (OUP Canada 2002) with Lisa Young. Dr Loleen Berdahl is associate professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on Canadian politics and public policy. Dr Berdahl has published and presented several papers and articles in her research areas.