Theory and Methods in Political Science [Paperback]

A broad-ranging and pluralistic textbook which highlights the rich variety of approaches to studying politics. Written by an international team of experts, this fully revised fourth edition offers cutting-edge coverage from fundamental to contemporary issues. Integrating guides to further reading and clear examples of how research methods can be applied, it enables readers to feel confident about taking their study of politics forward.

An ideal foundation for study and research in political science, this textbook will be essential to students at any stage of their degree. It serves as core reading on undergraduate and postgraduate political analysis, theory and method courses. In addition, in demonstrating how independent research is undertaken in political science, the book allows students and early career researchers to begin thinking about formulating their own research agendas.

This leading text provides an ideal foundation for study and research in political science, bringing together renowned figures in the field to introduce the key approaches and methods used in the study of politics. The fully revised fourth edition features a considerable updating in the team of contributors and the range of coverage and examples.

Introduction; Vivien Lowndes, David Marsh and Gerry Stoker.- PART I: THEORY AND APPROACHES 1. Behavouralism; David Sanders.- 2. Rational Choice; Andrew Hindmoor and Brad Taylor.- 3. Institutionalism; Vivien Lowndes.- 4. Constructivism and Interpretive Theory; Craig Parsons.- 5. Feminist and Gender Approaches; Meryl Kenny and Fiona Mackay.- 6. Marxism: A global perspective; Ray Kiely.- 7. Poststructuralism; Mark Wenman.- 8. Political Psychology; Frank Mols and Paul 't Hart.- 9. Normative Theory; Chris Armstrong.- PART II: METHODS AND RESEARCH DESIGN 10. Ontology and Epistemology in Political Science; David Marsh, Selen A. Ercan and Paul Furlong.- 11. Meta-Theoretils,