Research Methods for Political Science

David E. McNabb is Professor Emeritus and continuing adjunct professor at the Pacific Lutheran University School of Business. He has taught undergraduate and graduate management and administration courses for Edmonds Community College, Olympic College, Oregon State University, the University of Maryland-University College (Europe), the American University in Bulgaria, and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Latvia, a regional business education program in Northern France, and the master’s in public administration program at Evergreen State College. Dr. McNabb has served in advisory positions for the U.S. Census Bureau, Seattle and Kirkland, Washington, and as an elected commissioner for a water and wastewater district in Washington State.

"From the foundations of scientific research to advice for writing reports and presenting data, McNabb’s book offers the most exhaustive survey of methods and techniques presently available to social scientists and practitioners. The inclusion, or expansion, of chapters on multi- method research and big data brings additional richness and currency to this classic text. Ideal for instructors who need or want to cover extensive methodological ground in one or two semesters, as well as for those who want to focus on one specific research strategy." Renato Corbetta, Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham "For years I’ve relied on McNabb’s textbook to provide a solid research methods foundation for my students. Having read the newest edition, I am pleased to see the quality of the information is unchanged! Some of the most important features are accessibility, depth and breadth of the topics, presentation of relevant examples, and thoroughness in explaining major concepts and terms. This book is a must- have for any professor who teaches a course in research methods or consistently works with students who are engaged in research projects. I’ve successfully used the material for both undergraduate and graduate students."Brandy Faulkner, Collegiate Assistant Professor of Political Science, Virginia Tech "This is easily one of the most comprehensive books available on the craft of political science research. Giving equal attention to both quantitative and qualitative methods, this book will be helpful to all scholars at any stage in their research. Overall, a very impressive reference tool for a wide variety of scholars." Sarah E. Croco, Associate Professor of Government and Politics, University of Maryland

• Introduction Part 1: Foundations of Political Science Research 1. Introduction to Research Methods 2. Legal and Ethical Environment of Research 3. Research in Political Science 4. Paths Taken in Political Science Research 5. Research Decisions: Approaches and Designs Part 2: Quantitative Research Methods 6. Fundamentals of Measurement and Statistics 7. Introduction to Sampling 8. Exploratory Research: Probing Designs 9. Descriptive Research: Survey Designs 10. Experimental Research: Causal Designs 11. Basic Exploratory and Descriptive Statistics 12. Testing Research Hypotheses 13. Correlation and Simple Linear Regression 14. Exploring Multivariate Statistics 15. Research with Very Large Data Sets (Big Data) 16. Parametric vs. Nonparametric Statistics Part 3: Qualitative Research Methods 17. Beginning Qualitative Research: Document Research 18. Expository Research I: Text and Archival Designs 19. Expository Research II: Content, Meta-Analysis & Semiotics 20. Explanatory Research I: Case Studies and Historical Research 21. Explanatory Research II: Grounded Theory Designs 22. Interpretive Research I: Ethnographic Designs 23. Interpretive Research II: Hermeneutic Analysis Designs 24. Critical Research I: Feminist and Empowerment Designs 25. Critical Research II: Action Research Designs 26. Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research Data Part 4: Mixed Methods Designs 27. Introduction to Mixed Methods Research Designs 28. Mixed Methods Research Designs Part 5: Appendices Appendix A. Presenting Data in Tables, charts and Graphs Appendix B. Preparing a Research Proposal Appendix C. Organizing and Writing a Research Report Appendix D. Using SPSS