Research Design in Political Science [Hardcover]

This is a comprehensive introduction to research design for university students at all levels across the whole range of political science, including international relations and public administration. It covers the key steps in the research process and explains the logic and detail of a variety of classic and cutting-edge methods.

Based on a pluralistic approach, the text endorses both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and outlines the strengths and limitations of different designs for addressing particular research goals. Giving accessible and practical advice, without use of mathematical formulas or formalized notation, this clear and engaging book features many examples of real political science research, and will enable readers to design their own research projects as well as to critically evaluate existing research in the social sciences.
1. Introduction.- 2. Types of Research and Research Questions.- 3. Theory in the Research Process,.- 4. Concepts and Operationalization.- 5. Measurement and Description.- 6. Explanation and Causality.- 7. Experimental Designs.- 8. Large-N Designs.- 9. Comparative Designs.- 10. Single Case Study Designs.- 11. Mixed and Nested Designs.- 12. Communicating Research.- References.

Dimiter Toshkov is Associate Professor of Public Administration at Leiden University, the Netherlands.