Political Science Research in Practice
3rd Edition
Published on 26. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
238 pages
978-1-032-79717-5 (ISBN)
Description
Nothing rings truer to those teaching political science research methods: students hate taking this course. Tackle the challenge and turn the standard research methods teaching model on its head with Political Science Research in Practice, edited by Akan Malici and Elizabeth S. Smith. Featuring all new contributions from scholars in this third edition, students are engaged first with timely and pressing political questions. In an accessible and personal way, scholars then provide students with firsthand accounts of how they answered these questions. Students learn from these scholars about the challenges of research as well as the joys of discovery while also learning research methods, including case studies, the comparative method, field research experiments, interviews, statistical research, survey research, program evaluation, content analysis, and list experiments. Through firsthand, issue-based discussions, students can better appreciate why methods matter. They will be intrigued to think about their own research projects as they are equipped to conduct them.
The third edition now includes:
All new scholarly research topics chosen especially for their interest to college students, ranging from issues surrounding environmental sustainability, to the political attitudes of youth, to political tolerance and conspiracy thinking
Updated discussion of the particular challenges faced by scholars in the post-truth, alternative facts world in which we live
Revised and updated "Exercises and Discussion Questions" sections
Revised and updated "Interested to Know More" and "Recommended Resources" sections
Revised and updated chapter on ethical and normative considerations in research as well as a discussion on what constitutes a good political science class and the public responsibility of political scientists.
The third edition now includes:
All new scholarly research topics chosen especially for their interest to college students, ranging from issues surrounding environmental sustainability, to the political attitudes of youth, to political tolerance and conspiracy thinking
Updated discussion of the particular challenges faced by scholars in the post-truth, alternative facts world in which we live
Revised and updated "Exercises and Discussion Questions" sections
Revised and updated "Interested to Know More" and "Recommended Resources" sections
Revised and updated chapter on ethical and normative considerations in research as well as a discussion on what constitutes a good political science class and the public responsibility of political scientists.
Reviews / Votes
Unlike traditional methods textbooks that foreground abstract concepts, Political Science Research in Practice teaches each core method through a scholar's real study-showing how researchers choose questions, make design decisions, and learn from setbacks along the way. The result is a methods course that feels concrete, human, and intellectually motivating.Dr. Yi Edward Yang, James Madison University
This volume brings political science research methods to life for undergraduates. It provides an engaging and accessible introduction to a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods with applications to a broad range of substantive topics. In sharing the backstories of their projects, the authors help students translate natural curiosity about their own life experiences and current events into rigorous social science research designs.
Shamira Gelbman, Professor of Political Science, Wabash College
Political Science Research in Practice (3rd Edition) conveys to those new to the field how interesting the science in political science can be. It teaches core methods by finding researchers working on today's most interesting questions and having them discuss their process of discovery-the key question, the right method, and the path to results. The stories capture student interest and create a human, substantive text that conveys the important material in the discipline. The best single text I've found.
Dr. Douglas L. Koopman, Senior Research Fellow, Calvin University
Political Science Research in Practice is uniquely essential: its manner of embedding elements of research design and methods within topically diverse chapters that show "how it was done" makes it a valuable addition to any course in political science aiming to enhance students' understanding of how to read and more intimately understand the scholarly literature with which they are engaged.
Michael Eugene Alvarez, Associate Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Bergen
More details
Edition
3rd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Advanced
Illustrations
6 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 12 s/w Zeichnungen, 15 s/w Tabellen, 18 s/w Abbildungen
15 Tables, black and white; 12 Line drawings, black and white; 6 Halftones, black and white; 18 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 178 mm
Width: 254 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
474 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-79717-5 (9781032797175)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Akan Malici | Elizabeth S. Smith
Political Science Research in Practice
E-Book
05/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€74.99
Available for download
Akan Malici | Elizabeth S. Smith
Political Science Research in Practice
E-Book
05/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€74.99
Available for download
Akan Malici | Elizabeth S. Smith
Political Science Research in Practice
Book
05/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€188.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Previous edition
Akan Malici | Elizabeth S. Smith
Political Science Research in Practice
Book
08/2018
2nd Edition
Routledge
€74.50
Shipment within 10-20 days
Persons
Akan Malici is Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Furman University, where he teaches classes in International Politics and Research Methodology. His scholarly interests are in the areas of international security and foreign policy.
Elizabeth S. Smith is Professor of Political Science at Furman University, where she teaches Research Methodology, American Politics, Civil Discourse, Political Psychology, and Women and Politics. Her scholarly interests are in the areas of political socialization, political psychology, and gender and politics.
Elizabeth S. Smith is Professor of Political Science at Furman University, where she teaches Research Methodology, American Politics, Civil Discourse, Political Psychology, and Women and Politics. Her scholarly interests are in the areas of political socialization, political psychology, and gender and politics.
Content
Preface. 1. Why Do We Need a Science of Politics? 2. How Do We Get a Science of Politics? 3. The Case Study Method: Religion and Youth in Turkey 4. The Comparative Method: Effectiveness of the Forest Stewardship Council in Russia and Brazil 5. Interviewing in Political Science: Women and Electoral Persistence 6. The Statistical Method: Political Tolerance in Europe 7. Survey Research: Black American Women Judges' On-the-Bench Experiences 8. Program Evaluation: Inside an Evaluation of a Teen Leadership Program 9. Content Analysis: Analyzing a Social Media Campaign 10. Field Research/ Experiments: Women Want an Answer! Field Experiments on Elected Officials and Gender Bias 11. Experimental Research: Measuring and Explaining Public Responses to Black-Led Protest 12. Normative and Ethical Considerations of Political Science Research