The most accessible and practical guide to research methods written especially for politics and international relations students. Key features - Discusses step-by-step how to conduct research to support students through the entire research process - Broad coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods makes it relevant to any research project - Discussion of key debates of theory, methodology, and the philosophy of social science to broaden students' knowledge of research methods - Includes a range of learning features such as chapter summaries and test questions to re-enforce students' understanding of research methods - Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support New to this Edition - New content on mixed methods in Chapter 6 to highlight the advantages of using different methods or approaches as part of the same study. - Additional coverage of recent debates and concerns about transparency in research and 'open science', digital data, and analysing social media content. - Updated examples throughout to cover topical issues in political research, such as the rise of far-right movements and parties, issues relating to immigration and refugees, and the intergenerational transmission of political preferences. - Now available as an enhanced ebook, featuring video reflections from recent graduates who share their experience of conducting independent research, self-test questions, and flashcard glossaries.Digital formats and resources Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and it is supported by online resources. The following additional resources are available to students: - Other Students Say videos, where graduate students in Politics and International Relations share their experience conducting research - Self-test questions at the end of each chapter section allow students to check and consolidate their knowledge - Flashcard glossaries improve understanding of content - Example datasets to prompt active engagement and hands-on experience Adopting lecturers will have access to the following teaching support resources: - Seminar questions and activities - Tutorials for data analysis software - Test bank of questions - PowerPoint slides