Political science students need to get comfortable using the tools of political analysis. For stats-phobic undergrads, the research methods course need not need be nerve wracking, especially with Pollock's bestselling text to help them along the way.

His brief, accessible guide walks students through the basics-measuring concepts, formulating and testing hypotheses, describing variables-while using key terms, chapter-opening objectives, 80 tables and figures, and class-tested exercises to get them using and applying their new skills.

The new fourth edition features enhanced treatment of research design and logic controlled comparison and illustrates complex relationships with more accessible examples. A completely revised rubric further helps students identify these complex relationships in their own research.