Political Research
An Introduction
Routledge (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Published on 1. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-138-68220-7 (ISBN)
Description
Political Research: An Introduction has been designed to provide an excellent starting point for those new to the area of Research Methods. It assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and sets out the key issues involved in doing research in Politics. This second edition continues to guide students through a complex and often daunting subject by exploring the many concepts associated with the field, as well as offering practical advice on research practices and information resources.
Key features:
Boxed case studies in each chapter to illustrate and clarify key concepts, and highlight the practical use of different research methods
Illustrated by examples from across politics drawn from (comparative) politics and international relations
glossary, giving easy access to definitions of key terms
Website containing sample material, extra case studies, important links, and essential resources for both teachers and students
New to this edition
generally updated throughout with revised case studies and examples
more comparative/IR examples
more emphasis on ontological and epistemological arguments surrounding the value of political research
more on ethics
more navigation to assist with the different types of assessment regimes students have to engage with
Key features:
Boxed case studies in each chapter to illustrate and clarify key concepts, and highlight the practical use of different research methods
Illustrated by examples from across politics drawn from (comparative) politics and international relations
glossary, giving easy access to definitions of key terms
Website containing sample material, extra case studies, important links, and essential resources for both teachers and students
New to this edition
generally updated throughout with revised case studies and examples
more comparative/IR examples
more emphasis on ontological and epistemological arguments surrounding the value of political research
more on ethics
more navigation to assist with the different types of assessment regimes students have to engage with
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Undergraduate
Illustrations
15 s/w Abbildungen, 30 s/w Zeichnungen, 20 s/w Tabellen
20 Tables, black and white; 30 Line drawings, black and white; 15 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 246 mm
Width: 174 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-138-68220-7 (9781138682207)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition

Book
06/2001
1st Edition
Routledge
€71.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Lisa Harrison is Associate Dean: International, Partnerships and External Relations in the Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education, University of the West of England.
Nick Startin is Deputy Director of Studies for Modern Languages and European Studies (MLES) at the University of Bath.
Nick Startin is Deputy Director of Studies for Modern Languages and European Studies (MLES) at the University of Bath.
Content
1 Becoming a researcher - developing a framework for analysis 2 Becoming a 'good' researcher - some principles for recognising and addressing ethical challenges 3 Key issues for quantitative research 5 Surveys as a source of quantitative data 6 Large data sets - using existing data and the questions you must ask 7 Key issues for qualitative research 8 Interviews as a source of qualitative data 9 Documents and the mass media - using existing data and the questions you must ask 10 Accessing the past - the opportunities and limitations of archived materials 11 Being a researcher - some principles for addressing your own research question