Political science research in practice

Nothing rings truer to those teaching political science research methods: students hate taking this course. Tackle the challenge and turn the standard research methods teaching model on its head with Political Science Research in Practice. Akan Malici and Elizabeth Smith engage students first with pressing political questions and then demonstrate how a researcher has gone about answering them, walking through real political science research that contributors have conducted. Through the exemplary use of survey research, experiments, field research, case studies, content analysis, interviews, document analysis, statistical research, and formal modeling, each chapter introduces students to a method of empirical inquiry through a specific topic that will spark their interest and curiosity. Each chapter shows the process of developing a research question, how and why a particular method was used, and the rewards and challenges discovered along the way. Students can better appreciate why we need a science of politics-why methods matter-with these first-hand, issue-based discussions. The following features make this an ideal teaching tool: An introductory chapter that succinctly introduces key terms in research methodology Key terms bolded throughout and defined in a glossary Broad coverage of the most important methods used in political science research and the major subfields of the discipline A companion website designed to foster online active learning An instructor's manual and testbank to help incorporate this innovative text into your syllabus and assessment.

Why do we need a science of politics? -- How do we get a science of politics? -- Case study and comparative method: why do states join institutions? -- Field research: Zhuang ethnic identity and the Chinese state -- Interviews: what are the pathways to human rights activism? -- Statistical research: to naturalize or not to naturalize? -- Survey research: religions and electoral behavior in the United States, 1936-2008 -- Secondary data analysis: a program evaluation of school vouchers in Milwaukee -- Content analysis: local media and Congress -- Experimental research: if Bill Clinton were a woman -- Formal modeling: cultural icons of U.S. foreign policy -- Normative and ethical considerations of political science research.