This popular introduction to the basic tools of political science includes a new annotated research report, a thoroughly updated chapter on literature review that reflects the uses of the latest technology, and expanded explanations of such concepts as sampling size.

Numerous examples and case studies highlight important aspects of the research process and illustrate how scholars in various sub-fields have employed research methods in their studies of politics.

1. Introduction

Research on Regime Stability
The Western Media and Non-Western Nations: An Issue in International Relations
Study of How Congressional Elections Are Financed
Investigating Popular Influence on Public Policy
A Look into Judicial Decision Making
Influencing Bureaucracies
Explaining Variability in Checkoff Rates among the States
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises

2. Studying Politics Scientifically

Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge
Acquiring Scientific Knowledge: Induction and Deduction
Can Politics Be Studied Scientifically?
Political Science as a Discipline
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

3. The Building Block of Social Scientific Research: Hypotheses, Concepts, and Variables

Specifying the Research Question
Proposing Explanations
Defining Concepts
Formulating Hypotheses
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

4. The Building Blocks of Social Scientific Research: Measurement

Devising Measurement Strategies
Examples of Political Measurement
The Accuracy of Measurements
The Precision of Measurements
Multi-item Measures
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

5. Research Design

Experimentation
Experimental Designs
Nonexperimental Designs
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

6. Conducting a Literature Review

Where Do Research Topics Come From?
Reasons for a Literature Review
Conducting a Literature Review
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

7. Sampling

Population or Sample?
The Basics of Sampling
Types of Samples
Sample Information
Sampling Error
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

8. Making Empirical Observations: Direct and Indirect Observation

Types of Data and Collection Techniques
Observation
Direct Observation
Indirect Observation
Ethical Issues in Observation
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Suggested Readings

9. Document Analysis: Using the Written Record

Types of Written Records
Content Analysis
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Written Record
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

10. Elite Interviewing and Survey Research

Elite Interviewing
Survey Research
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

11. Univariate Data Analysis and Descriptive Statistics

Frequency Distributions
Descriptive Statistics
The Normal Distribution
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

12. Measuring Relationships and Testing Hypotheses: Bivariate Data Analysis

Crosstabulation
Difference of Means Test and Analysis of Variance
Regression and Correlation Analysis
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

13. Searching for Complete Explanations and Causal Knowledge: Multivariate Data

Analysis
Introduction
Multivariate Crosstabulation
Two-Way Analysis of Variance
Multiple Regression and Partial Correlation
Conclusion
Notes
Terms Introduced
Exercises
Suggested Readings

14. The Research Report: An Annotated Example

Polarity, the Offense-Defense Balance, and War
Conclusion
Exercises

Appendix
Index