Understanding Political Methodology

Nathaniel Beck

ISBN 10: 1035336987 / ISBN 13: 9781035336982

Published by Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, GB, 2026

About this Item

This book presents an accessible overview of the key concepts underlying quantitative political methodology. Nathaniel L. Beck draws on existing quantitative analysis relating to political behavior and institutions to outline how and where these approaches are best used.Providing insights into the historical foundations and development of quantitative statistical analysis, Beck traces the evolution of probability, statistics, and political science through the 19th and early 20th centuries. He explores crucial themes and methods, covering measurement, neural nets, multiple regression, and maximum likelihood. Chapters shed light on data complications and other pivotal topics that are currently reshaping the field, including causality, networks, and the analysis of textual and visual data. Addressing real cases from the political science sphere, Beck investigates contemporary critiques of statistical hypothesis testing and proposes innovative ways of differentiating between models.Presenting a unique perspective on quantitative research methods, Understanding Political Methodology is a necessary resource for scholars and students of political science, sociology, public policy, and any social scientist using or teaching quantitative methods.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781035336982

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Understanding Political Methodology
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, GB
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1035336987
• ISBN 13: 9781035336982
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This book presents an accessible overview of the key concepts underlying quantitative political methodology. Nathaniel L. Beck draws on existing quantitative analysis relating to political behavior and institutions to outline how and where these approaches are best used.

Providing insights into the historical foundations and development of quantitative statistical analysis, Beck traces the evolution of probability, statistics, and political science through the 19th and early 20th centuries. He explores crucial themes and methods, covering measurement, neural nets, multiple regression, and maximum likelihood. Chapters shed light on data complications and other pivotal topics that are currently reshaping the field, including causality, networks, and the analysis of textual and visual data. Addressing real cases from the political science sphere, Beck investigates contemporary critiques of statistical hypothesis testing and proposes innovative ways of differentiating between models.

Presenting a unique perspective on quantitative research methods, Understanding Political Methodology is a necessary resource for scholars and students of political science, sociology, public policy, and any social scientist using or teaching quantitative methods.

About the Author

Nathaniel L. Beck, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, NYU Wilf Family Department of Politics; Associated Professor of Public Service, NYU Wagner, USA