Empirical political analysis : quantitative and qualitative research methods /
Richard C. Rich, Craig Leonard Brians, Jarol B. Manheim and Lars Willnat.
- Ninth edition.
- 1 online resource.
"Eighth edition published by Routledge 2016"--T.p. verso. Includes index.
Part I Introduction -- chapter 1 Research as a Process / Richard C. Rich -- part II Preparing to Do Research -- chapter 2 Building Theories and Hypotheses / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 3 Developing Your Literature Review / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 4 Designing Your Research and Choosing Your Methods / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 5 From Abstract to Concrete -- Operationalization and Measurement / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 6 Research Design -- Attributing Causation Through Control / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 7 Who, What, Where, When -- The Problem of Sampling / Richard C. Rich -- part III Quantitative Methods -- chapter 8 Survey Research -- Characterizing a Broader Population / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 9 Creating Complex Indicators -- Using Scaling Techniques / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 10 Content Analysis -- Researching Textual Material / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 11 Aggregate Data -- Studying Groups / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 12 Comparative Methods -- Research Across Populations / Richard C. Rich -- part IV Analyzing Quantitative Data -- chapter 13 Coding Data -- Preparing Observations for Analysis / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 14 Tables and Charts -- Visually Describing the Data / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 15 Statistics I -- Summarizing Distributions on One Variable / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 16 Statistics II -- Relationships Between Two Variables / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 17 Statistics III -- Relationships Among Several Variables / Richard C. Rich -- part V Qualitative Methods -- chapter 18 Direct Observation -- Systematically Watching Behavior / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 19 Focus Group Research / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 20 Elite and Specialized Interviewing / Richard C. Rich -- part VI Conclusion -- chapter 21 The Research Report -- Diagramming a Sample Article / Richard C. Rich -- chapter 22 Summary -- Overview of a Research Process / Richard C. Rich.
Empirical Political Analysis introduces readers to the foundations of social science research. Organized around the stages of the research process, this textbook prepares readers to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research, from the formation of theory through the design of research projects, to the collection of data and the analysis of results. It offers a clear and concise presentation of basic concepts and tools that can be applied in a wide range of research settings and highlights ethical conduct in the research process. It will help you both to achieve sound results in your own research and to critically evaluate research presented by others. Covers the research process from start to finish--hypothesis formation, literature review, research design, data gathering, data analysis, and research report writing. Features a "Practical Research Ethics" box in every chapter to make students aware of common ethical dilemmas and potential solutions to them. Includes in-depth examples of political science research to give discipline-specific instruction on political analysis. Includes learning goals, key terms, and research examples to help students engage and explore the most important concepts. Key features:New to this edition:New material on understanding research design - what constitutes a sound research design and how this contributes to being able to justify research findings. New Companion Website material, including both quantitative and qualitative data analysis exercises. Offers comprehensive coverage of quantitative and qualitative research methods in political science - this book is one of the key texts in the field of political research methods since it was first published over 25 years ago. Updated and international case studies.