Essentials of Political Research

This text is a complete introduction to research methods in political science, covering all the topics typically included in a one semester undergraduate-level course. It concentrates on the basics of what a student needs to know how to do to be an effective consumer of scientific research and begin to conduct his or her own research projects. The approach of ?learning by doing” is encouraged through numerous examples and exercises. The book is written in an informal style, with minimal use of technical jargon.

Alan D. Monroe (Ph.D., Indiana University) has taught introductory research methods at Illinois State University for more than 25 years. He has published research on a variety topics, particularly on public opinion and public policy in the U.S. and has also conducted a number of research projects for governmental agencies and private clients, including surveys for political campaigns.