Understanding Political Science Research Methods - 9781138170612

Understanding Political Science Research MethodsThe Challenge of Inference\nAuthor(s): Maryann Barakso, Daniel M. Sabet, Brian Schaffner\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, United Kingdom\nImprint: Routledge\nISBN-13: 9781138170612, 978-1138170612\nSynopsis\nThis text starts by explaining the fundamental goal of good political science researchthe ability to answer interesting and important questions by generating valid inferences about political phenomena. Before the text even discusses the process of developing a research question, the authors introduce the reader to what it means to make an inference and the different challenges that social scientists face when confronting this task. Only with this ultimate goal in mind will students be able to ask appropriate questions, conduct fruitful literature reviews, select and execute the proper research design, and critically evaluate the work of others. \n\nThe authors' primary goal is to teach students to critically e.