The Political Research Experience

Book excerpt: An overview of the basic concepts and methods of political research, including measurement operationalization; surveys; indexing; content analysis; sampling; rational choice analysis; and univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. For each method, Ethridge (political science, U. of Wisconsin) offers a brief introduction introducing the topic and then presents an excerpt or two or research papers utilizing that particular analytic method. Also included is a brief final comment by Ethridge examining particular issues raised by the authors of the particular examples. A final chapter explores some of the current controversies of attempting to apply scientific methods to the study of politics. c. Book News Inc.