How do I determine my research question? How do I answer my research question? What is data? How do I conduct research in an ethical way? Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to answer questions such as these. Using a step-by-step approach, the authors guide you through the process of asking and answering research questions, and the different methods used in political science. With coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods, the authors provide advice on how to be critical, rigorous and ethical when both evaluating research findings and conducting your own independent research. The book emphasises how research can impact our ability to answer important political questions, and helps you to learn how to formulate significant questions, make sense of conflicting arguments, and develop your research skills.

About the Author
Sandra Halperin, Professor of International Relations, Royal Holloway, University of London, and Oliver Heath, Professor of Politics, Royal Holloway, University of London

Reviews
Review from previous edition 'The writing style and tone is exactly right... No other book on the market is comparable in terms of clarity and authority, detail and register - over even the commonest research techniques. ' (Dr Helen Brocklehurst, University of Derby)
'The biggest advantage of the book is the quality of its writing style. It actually demystifies the research process for students right from the start. The authors just really 'get it' when it comes to knowing how students are coming at this.' (Dr Matthew Ryan, University of Southampton)
'Overall, this is a fantastic book, and it is refreshing to have a politics-specific book writing in a clear manner, especially without taking sides in the quantitative versus qualitative debate.' (Dr Helen Williams, University of Nottingham)
'A really thorough and well-written overview of contemporary research methods in politics.' (Dr Alistair McMillan, Department of Politics, University of Sheffield)
'I wish I had this book when I first started my degree. A great tool.' (Hal Meakin, Second Year Politics Student, Brunel University)



Book Information
ISBN 9780198820628
Author Sandra Halperin
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1004g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 189mm * 20mm