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Empirical research papers are a mix of technical skill and unwritten insider information. Providing practical guidance on how to design, analyze, and write about research, this engaging second edition is fully updated with expanded coverage of finding and using data, a topical running example, and new appendices introducing quantitative analysis techniques. It covers everything from crafting a question, theory, and hypotheses to choosing a research design, acquiring and analyzing data, drafting, peer review, and presenting your work. Practical strategies are combined with a step-by-step breakdown of every stage of the research design and writing processes, conveyed with clarity and humor. The intuitive presentation illustrates the core insights and concepts in a lively and accessible manner for readers, including those with no mathematical background and from fields beyond political science. New 'Common Challenges' boxes join a wealth of inspiring pedagogical features. Online resources include a revised Instructor's Manual, exercises and essays.
List of contents
Part I. The Preliminaries: 1. From research topic to research question; 2a. From research question to theory; 2b. From theory to hypothesis; Part II. The Practicalities: 3. Finding out what we already know; 4. Choosing a design that fits your question; 5. Case selection and study design for qualitative research; 6. Qualitative data collection and management; 7. Quantitative data acquisition and management; 8. Preparing to analyze quantitative data; 9. Writing up your research; 10. Practicing peer review; 11. Posters, presentations, and publishing; Appendix A: Quantative foundations; Appendix B: Quantative applications.
About the author
Leanne C. Powner holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan and a BA in International Studies from the American University. Previous faculty posts include The College of Wooster, the American University, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Christopher Newport University and Salve Regina University. Previous publications include Applying the Strategic Perspective (third and fourth edition). In the last decade she has launched and operated Leanne C. Powner Coaching and Editing, which specializes in helping faculty and Ph.D. students through writing and professional challenges. She works with nearly 100 clients a year on book development, argumentation, articles and other scholarship, and more.
