Political science research methods - Janet Buttolph Johnson

Political Science Research Methods set the standard for being relevant, comprehensive, and ever-mindful of its student audience. With the seventh edition, the authors further refine their popular text to be more welcoming and more intuitive than ever-an ideal gateway to understanding not just the "how" but also the "why" behind research in the discipline.

Updates to this new edition include:

- new case studies of political science research in chapter 1-from causes of income inequality, to repression of human rights, to judicial decision making-that serve as touchpoints throughout the book;

- updated discussion in chapter 2 about the empirical approach to political science;

- a heavily revamped chapter 3 with clearer guidance on how to develop research questions along with steps for doing a literature review more appropriately placed earlier in the text;

- new extended case study on polling and the health care debate in chapter 7 on sampling;

- greater explanation of how to do content analysis in chapter 9 on document analysis;

- separate chapters for descriptive and inferential statistics step out instruction and increase accessibility; and

- a brand new annotated research article in chapter 16.

Bolded key terms, a glossary and explanatory charts, figures, and tables help aid students learning. "Helpful-hint" boxes give students nuts-and-bolts reminders they can refer to when conducting their own research.

Janet Buttolph Johnson is associate professor of political science and international relations at the University of Delaware, where she specializes in public policy, state and local politics, and environmental policy and politics.

The authors do a great job in including many research topics in the text--it is the book's major strength. Also it is very well-organized, which helps students see the logical progression among topics. As the Instructor, I enjoy how the book's level of specificity.
Current Edition Review--Faulkner - Brandy Faulkner

"Political Science Research Methods' primary strengths are the intuitive and example-based discussions of the necessity of and the execution of research methods. Simply put, it is an easier book through which to understand the research process in political science, see examples of that research process in journals, and to begin to comprehend how the research process would be integrated in the student's own research program."
Current Edition Review--Sacko - David Sacko

"What I really like about the book is its simplicity and straightforward language. Methods is usually a tough subject matter for students to wrap their heads around. This text I find cogent, clear, and 'doable' for students."

"I truly believe this is one of the best texts for methods out there-for the range of students we have atmy schoolin terms of ability and aptitude... Compared to other texts I have examined (and I have examined many), this one is the best, in my opinion, for my students."
Current Edition Review--Woodall - Gina Woodall

"The book is very clearly written and comprehensive and does a fine job in covering most of the essential criteria of a certain type of empirical political science research."
Current Edition Review--Jorgensen - Nick Jorgensen