Part 1: Foundations of Political Science Research
1. Introduction to Research Methods
2. Legal and Ethical Environment of Research
3. Research in Political Science
4. Paths Taken in Political Science Research
5. Research Decisions: Approaches and Designs
Part 2: Quantitative Research Methods
6. Fundamentals of Measurement and Statistics
7. Introduction to Sampling
8. Exploratory Research: Probing Designs
9. Descriptive Research: Survey Designs
10. Experimental Research: Causal Designs
11. Basic Exploratory and Descriptive Statistics
12. Testing Research Hypotheses
13. Correlation and Simple Linear Regression
14. Exploring Multivariate Statistics
15. Research with Very Large Data Sets (Big Data)
16. Parametric vs. Nonparametric Statistics
Part 3: Qualitative Research Methods
17. Beginning Qualitative Research: Document Research
18. Expository Research I: Text and Archival Designs
19. Expository Research II: Content, Meta-Analysis & Semiotics
20. Explanatory Research I: Case Studies and Historical Research
21. Explanatory Research II: Grounded Theory Designs
22. Interpretive Research I: Ethnographic Designs
23. Interpretive Research II: Hermeneutic Analysis Designs
24. Critical Research I: Feminist and Empowerment Designs
25. Critical Research II: Action Research Designs
26. Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research Data
Part 4: Mixed Methods Designs
27. Introduction to Mixed Methods Research Designs
28. Mixed Methods Research Designs
Part 5: Appendices
Appendix A. Presenting Data in Tables, charts and Graphs
Appendix B. Preparing a Research Proposal
Appendix C. Organizing and Writing a Research Report
Appendix D. Using SPSS

The third edition of Research Methods for Political Science retains its effective approach to helping students learn what to research, why to research and how to research. The text integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in one volume and covers such important topics as research design, specifying research problems, designing questionnaires and writing questions, designing and carrying out qualitative research and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative research data. Heavily illustrated, classroom tested, exceptionally readable and engaging, the text presents statistical methods in a conversational tone to help students surmount "math phobia."
Updates to this new edition include:
Research topics chapters have been upgraded and expanded.
Two mixed methods design chapters have been added.
A new chapter on hermeneutic analysis designs and research with large data sets.
The chapter on multivariate statistics has been expanded, with an expanded discussion on logistic regression.
Tools on how to prepare and present research findings are now featured in the appendix, allowing instructors more flexibility when teaching their courses.
Research Methods for Political Science will give students the confidence and knowledge they need to understand the methods and basics skills for data collection, presentation and analysis. ---provided by publisher