The most accessible and practical guide to research methods written especially for politics and international relations students.

Key features

- Discusses step-by-step how to conduct research to support students through the entire research process
- Broad coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods makes it relevant to any research project
- Discussion of key debates of theory, methodology, and the philosophy of social science to broaden students' knowledge of research methods
- Includes a range of learning features such as chapter summaries and test questions to re-enforce students' understanding of research methods
- Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support

New to this Edition

- New content on mixed methods in Chapter 6 to highlight the advantages of using different methods or approaches as part of the same study.
- Additional coverage of recent debates and concerns about transparency in research and 'open science', digital data, and analysing social media content.
- Updated examples throughout to cover topical issues in political research, such as the rise of far-right movements and parties, issues relating to immigration and refugees, and the intergenerational transmission of political preferences.
- Now available as an enhanced ebook, featuring video reflections from recent graduates who share their experience of conducting independent research, self-test questions, and flashcard glossaries.

Digital formats and resources
Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and it is supported by online resources.

The following additional resources are available to students:
- Other Students Say videos, where graduate students in Politics and International Relations share their experience conducting research
- Self-test questions at the end of each chapter section allow students to check and consolidate their knowledge
- Flashcard glossaries improve understanding of content
- Example datasets to prompt active engagement and hands-on experience

Adopting lecturers will have access to the following teaching support resources:
- Seminar questions and activities
- Tutorials for data analysis software
- Test bank of questions
- PowerPoint slides