Political Science Research in Practice

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.

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.