Member-only story

A Comprehensive Guide to Research Methods for Students of Political Science

Junichiro Tanizaki

·18.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Guide To Methods For Students Of Political Science

5 min read

42 View Claps

10 Respond

Save

Listen

Political science is the study of politics, power, and government. It is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of topics, from the behavior of individual voters to the dynamics of international relations. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to research in political science. The methods that a researcher uses will depend on the specific questions they are asking and the type of data they are seeking.

Guide to Methods for Students of Political Science

by Stephen Van Evera

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In this guide, we will provide an overview of the various research methods that are commonly used in political science. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and we will provide tips on how to choose the right method for your research project.

Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research methods are used to collect and analyze data that is not easily quantifiable. This type of research is often used to explore complex social phenomena, such as the beliefs and values of a particular group of people.

Some of the most common qualitative research methods include:

* Interviews: Interviews involve asking people questions about their experiences, beliefs, and values. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online. * Focus groups: Focus groups are similar to interviews, but they involve a small group of people discussing a particular topic. Focus groups can be used to generate new ideas and to explore the dynamics of group interactions. * Participant observation: Participant observation involves observing people in their natural settings. This type of research can be used to gain a deep understanding of the culture and behavior of a particular group of people. * Document analysis: Document analysis involves analyzing written or visual documents, such as newspapers, speeches, or government reports. This type of research can be used to gain insights into the history, culture, and politics of a particular society.

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative research methods are used to collect and analyze data that can be quantified. This type of research is often used to test hypotheses and to make generalizations about a population.

Some of the most common quantitative research methods include:

* Surveys: Surveys involve asking people a series of questions about their beliefs, values, or behavior. Surveys can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online. * Experiments: Experiments are used to test the effects of one or more variables on a particular outcome. Experiments can be conducted in a laboratory setting or in the field. * Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis involves using mathematical techniques to analyze data. Statistical analysis can be used to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data.

Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research combines elements of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This type of research is often used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular research question.

For example, a researcher might use qualitative research methods to explore the beliefs and values of a particular group of people, and then use quantitative research methods to test hypotheses about the relationship between those beliefs and values and their political behavior.

Choosing the Right Research Method

The best research method for your project will depend on a number of factors, including:

* The type of research question you are asking * The type of data you are seeking * The resources you have available * The time and budget you have available

It is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each research method before choosing one for your project.

Research methods are essential for conducting rigorous and informative research in political science. By understanding the different types of research methods and their strengths and weaknesses, you can choose the right method for your project and ensure that you collect the data you need to answer your research questions.

Additional Resources

* [Research Methods in Political Science](https://www.apsanet.org/research-and-teaching/research-methods) * [The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science](https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-sage-handbook-of-research-methods-in-political-science/book247905) * [Research Methods for Political Science](https://www.routledge.com/Research-Methods-for-Political-Science/King-Dahl-Justesen-Sigelman/p/book/9780805850105)

Guide to Methods for Students of Political Science

by Stephen Van Evera

4.3 out of 5