The Fundamentals of Political Science Research

by Paul M. Kellstedt, Guy D Whitten

Paul M. Kellstedt's and Guy D. Whitten's The Fundamentals of Political Science Research provides an introduction to the scientific study of politics, supplying students with the basic tools needed to be both critical consumers and producers of scholarly research in political science. The book begins with a discussion of what it means to take a scientific approach to the study of politics. At the core of such an approach is the development of causal theories. Because there is no magic formula by which theories are developed, the authors present a series of strategies and develop an integrated approach to research design and empirical analyses that allows students to determine the plausibility of their causal theories. The text's accessible presentation of mathematical concepts and regression models with two or more independent variables is a key component to this process, along with the integration of examples from political science and the real world to help students grasp the fundamental concepts.

Genres: Politics, Political Science, Nonfiction, Grad School, Textbooks, Research Methods

316 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

Reviews

[Paul Furey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pray for the sweet release of death

[Karolína · Rating 5 out of 5]

skipped maybe like 2 chapters but im sure as hell gonna count the whole thing cuz bitch took time and energy to read 😭

[caro]

took actual years off my life

[Kirra Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taught me about political research and statistical connotation of such. Helped me with my coding politics class 😵‍💫😮‍💨

[Greta]

This book was a life saver for me. Picked it up when my course in stats advanced and I began to realize that my knowledge is reaching its limits (it was basically limited to measuring central tendency) and topics covered in the course are becoming harder and harder to grasp. I needed to do extra reading but where to start? All the textbooks seemed intimidating. Then I decided to check what my professor recommends in the reading list. Checked a few of them and decided to read this one and hope for the best.

Not that I'm an expert in multiple linear regressions now but I know it's possible to understand terminology and various conditions of application. Since then I also picked up another book on statistics in social sciences and I'm really enjoying the learning process. Not always easy but always rewarding.

[Sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

The assertion of politics as a science as solid as the 'hard' sciences is bold at best, especially when there is such a divide in the field of politics. This textbook follows the American schools of thought, which would be fine if it was conducted in a more appropriate manner; it is dismissive of normative methods to the point of condescending. It was mostly helpful for my course, but I do wish the language was more open to the rest of the field and the opening chapters were less 'holier than thou' in tone

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good text for a basic research methods course. It is a quantitative text and needs to be supplemented with another text on qualitative methods. The training in regression in the text is only enough to be dangerous, but not enough to actually be able to do it properly. It is a start however.

[Nikos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wie diese Mathelehrbücher aus der Schule mit so absurden Beispielen wo jemand 37 Melonen kauft bloß hier mit so politischer Thematik, wo 48 Prozent Bush wählen würden weil sie so zufrieden mit seiner Politik sind.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, one of the better textbooks I have read. The information is easy to synthesize and understand. I was always shocked going to class with a good understanding of the concept instead of being confused.

[Mehmet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Statistical parts are too technical. Otherwise, a good introduction.

[Noé Burnel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear guide through the application of statistical models to political science objects

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great to begin with!

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent intro text to statistical methods for political research.