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Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Political Science
This Handbook offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art research methods and applications currently in use in political science. It combines theory and methodology (qualitative and quantitative), and offers insights into the major approaches and their roots in the philosophy of scientific knowledge. Including a comprehensive discussion of the relevance of a host of digital data sources, plus the dos and don’ts of data collection in general, the book also explains how to use diverse research tools and highlights when and how to apply these techniques.
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Critical Acclaim
Contributors
Contents
More Information
This Handbook offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art research methods and applications currently in use in political science. It combines theory and methodology (qualitative and quantitative), and offers insights into the major approaches and their roots in the philosophy of scientific knowledge. Including a comprehensive discussion of the relevance of a host of digital data sources, plus the dos and don’ts of data collection in general, the book also explains how to use diverse research tools and highlights when and how to apply these techniques.
With wide-ranging coverage of general political science topics and systemic approaches to politics, the editors showcase research methods that can be used at the micro, meso and macro levels. Chapters explore applied and fundamental knowledge, approaches and their usefulness, meta-theoretical issues, and the art and practice of undertaking research. This highly accessible book provides hands-on information on research topics and methods, and offers the reader extensive bibliographies for in-depth exploration of cutting-edge techniques. Finally, it discusses the relevance of political science research, as well as the art of publishing, reporting and submitting research findings.
An essential tool for researchers in political science, public administration and international relations, this book will be an important reference for academics and students employing research methods and techniques across the social sciences, including sociology, anthropology and communication studies.
With wide-ranging coverage of general political science topics and systemic approaches to politics, the editors showcase research methods that can be used at the micro, meso and macro levels. Chapters explore applied and fundamental knowledge, approaches and their usefulness, meta-theoretical issues, and the art and practice of undertaking research. This highly accessible book provides hands-on information on research topics and methods, and offers the reader extensive bibliographies for in-depth exploration of cutting-edge techniques. Finally, it discusses the relevance of political science research, as well as the art of publishing, reporting and submitting research findings.
An essential tool for researchers in political science, public administration and international relations, this book will be an important reference for academics and students employing research methods and techniques across the social sciences, including sociology, anthropology and communication studies.
Critical Acclaim
‘It is rare for a book these days to seek to review and draw together the whole range of what political scientists – in many different countries and with many different interests – actually do. Given the divisions in the discipline between quantitative and qualitative, description and theorising, empirical and normative, it is difficult to develop an integrated and coherent discussion, let alone do it well and in sufficient detail to be methodologically and philosophically illuminating. But that is just what the editors and their collaborators have achieved in this fine volume – partly by not evading the difficult issues of what, if anything, the various approaches have in common and what they contribute to each other and to practitioners and politicians in the every day world of politics. All of these questions are confronted head on in the various chapters, some of which provide original technical analyses which could well stand in their own right as contributions to the discipline. None are less than provocative and interesting presentations of their own point of view, whether this be philosophical or methodological – and they all contribute substantial points to the discussion of whether there is disciplinary unity or not.’
– Ian Budge, Essex University, UK
‘This work is unique and impressive in scope, size and ambition. No summary can do justice to the wealth of material assembled in its 33 chapters. The originality lies in the discussion of core epistemological, methodological and technical questions of political science within a multilevel framework; in relation to substantive topics; in connection with disciplinary subsectors; and with suggestions on how to do the analysis, where to find the data, how to enhance the relevance of your results, down to the chance of publishing them at best. Almost everything you want to know about contemporary political science is there.’
– Stefano Bartolini, European University Institute, Italy
‘If you want to do reflected research, this Handbook on methods and applications in political science will become an invaluable companion. Its linking of meta-theoretical foundations, theory-building, method development and data gathering by a large number of distinguished scholars gives unique insights into the knowledge production process in political science. The Handbook will without a doubt contribute to better and more informed research.’
– Dietmar Braun, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
‘Any student undertaking a politics degree at graduate level will find this book an indispensible introduction to the subject they are approaching and it will also be useful for teachers seeking to orientate themselves within the discipline as a whole. This is particularly true because of the supporting detail the book provides and the way it links up technical exposition to fundamental philosophical questions. From a student point of view it does not shrink from providing useful practical tips on how to present and publish research results and how to check out established themes with new data. This is a book which political scientists at all levels will benefit from reading. It should also stimulate them to take a fresh look both at their own work and that of others – and – who knows? – perhaps forge some of that unity across the discipline which is the main subject of its discussion.’
– Colin Hay, University of Sheffield, UK and Institut d’Études Politiques at Sciences Po, France
‘This Handbook provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date account of the current state of empirical-analytical political science. The contributions share a systemic and multi-layered approach combining political actors, organizations, and institutions. In addition, types of data and data collection as well as advanced types of data analysis are described and explained. Finally, much can be learned about the evaluation of research output and publication strategies. The editors have motivated a stellar set of 40 authors to contribute to the 33 chapters of the Handbook. The index makes it easy to navigate the vast ocean of results and ideas. The Handbook is a “must have” for scholars interested in what political science can contribute to reliably answer the most important questions facing the complex world of politics today.’
– Hans-Dieter Klingemann, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin (Berlin Social Science Center), Germany
‘The editors have lined up an impressive list of contributors who show the way to the study of political processes using a systemic and multi-layered approach. This Handbook provides a comprehensive overview over the comparative study of politics. It not only provides an introduction to “hands-on” tools, it also introduces the underlying logics and epistemology of the social sciences in general and presents the empirical approaches in the different subfields of political science. This will be an important guide for research on politics.’
– Hans-Peter Kriesi, European University Institute, Italy
‘This Handbook is an impressive survey of the current state-of-the-art in political science regarding both the variations in theory and methods that are employed in the discipline. The book is comprehensive and wide-ranging and at the same time well-focused and well-organized by the editors who have included a stellar cast of contributors, all experts on the different approaches presented. In short: this is a timely effort and exactly what political science needs in its present state of development.’
– Arend Lijphart, University of California, San Diego, US
‘Hans Keman and Jaap Woldendorp have brought within a single volume a superb collection of essays on political science methods, approaches, empirics, and results. The contributions, written by leading researchers, are engaging, informative, and a pleasure to read. I can think of no book that better summarizes the diversity of techniques, concepts, and theories that comparativists develop in their efforts to understand political phenomena within, among, and beyond national states. This volume will be welcomed by graduate students and established scholars alike.’
– Gary Marks, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US
– Ian Budge, Essex University, UK
‘This work is unique and impressive in scope, size and ambition. No summary can do justice to the wealth of material assembled in its 33 chapters. The originality lies in the discussion of core epistemological, methodological and technical questions of political science within a multilevel framework; in relation to substantive topics; in connection with disciplinary subsectors; and with suggestions on how to do the analysis, where to find the data, how to enhance the relevance of your results, down to the chance of publishing them at best. Almost everything you want to know about contemporary political science is there.’
– Stefano Bartolini, European University Institute, Italy
‘If you want to do reflected research, this Handbook on methods and applications in political science will become an invaluable companion. Its linking of meta-theoretical foundations, theory-building, method development and data gathering by a large number of distinguished scholars gives unique insights into the knowledge production process in political science. The Handbook will without a doubt contribute to better and more informed research.’
– Dietmar Braun, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
‘Any student undertaking a politics degree at graduate level will find this book an indispensible introduction to the subject they are approaching and it will also be useful for teachers seeking to orientate themselves within the discipline as a whole. This is particularly true because of the supporting detail the book provides and the way it links up technical exposition to fundamental philosophical questions. From a student point of view it does not shrink from providing useful practical tips on how to present and publish research results and how to check out established themes with new data. This is a book which political scientists at all levels will benefit from reading. It should also stimulate them to take a fresh look both at their own work and that of others – and – who knows? – perhaps forge some of that unity across the discipline which is the main subject of its discussion.’
– Colin Hay, University of Sheffield, UK and Institut d’Études Politiques at Sciences Po, France
‘This Handbook provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date account of the current state of empirical-analytical political science. The contributions share a systemic and multi-layered approach combining political actors, organizations, and institutions. In addition, types of data and data collection as well as advanced types of data analysis are described and explained. Finally, much can be learned about the evaluation of research output and publication strategies. The editors have motivated a stellar set of 40 authors to contribute to the 33 chapters of the Handbook. The index makes it easy to navigate the vast ocean of results and ideas. The Handbook is a “must have” for scholars interested in what political science can contribute to reliably answer the most important questions facing the complex world of politics today.’
– Hans-Dieter Klingemann, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin (Berlin Social Science Center), Germany
‘The editors have lined up an impressive list of contributors who show the way to the study of political processes using a systemic and multi-layered approach. This Handbook provides a comprehensive overview over the comparative study of politics. It not only provides an introduction to “hands-on” tools, it also introduces the underlying logics and epistemology of the social sciences in general and presents the empirical approaches in the different subfields of political science. This will be an important guide for research on politics.’
– Hans-Peter Kriesi, European University Institute, Italy
‘This Handbook is an impressive survey of the current state-of-the-art in political science regarding both the variations in theory and methods that are employed in the discipline. The book is comprehensive and wide-ranging and at the same time well-focused and well-organized by the editors who have included a stellar cast of contributors, all experts on the different approaches presented. In short: this is a timely effort and exactly what political science needs in its present state of development.’
– Arend Lijphart, University of California, San Diego, US
‘Hans Keman and Jaap Woldendorp have brought within a single volume a superb collection of essays on political science methods, approaches, empirics, and results. The contributions, written by leading researchers, are engaging, informative, and a pleasure to read. I can think of no book that better summarizes the diversity of techniques, concepts, and theories that comparativists develop in their efforts to understand political phenomena within, among, and beyond national states. This volume will be welcomed by graduate students and established scholars alike.’
– Gary Marks, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US
Contributors
Contributors: K. Armingeon, D. Berg-Schlosser, R.E. Best, N. Bolleyer, S. Butt, B. Crum, K. Dowding, S.A. Ercan, S. Griggs, L. Horn, D. Howarth, G.A. Irwin, R.S. Katz, H. Keman, B. Klandermans, J. Kleinnijenhuis, S. Kumlin, J.-E. Lane, D. Marsh, M.D. McDonald, F. Müller-Rommel, A. Nölke, E.C. Page, P. Pennings, B.G. Peters, B. Rihoux, M.G. Schmidt, A.H. Schakel, P.C. Schmitter, E. Seha, I. Stadelmann-Steffen, J.J.M. van Holsteyn, K. van Kersbergen, B. Vis, U. Wagschal, S. Widdop, A. Wigger, L. Winstone, J. J. Woldendorp, S. Zaks
Contents
Contents:
Introduction by the Editors
PART I POLITICAL SCIENCE: RANGE, SCOPE AND CONTESTED METHODOLOGIES
1. Political Science: Researching a Multifaceted Topic in Essentially Contested Ways
Philippe C. Schmitter
2. Epistemology and Approaches: Logic, Causation and Explanation
Dirk Berg-Schlosser
3. Taking Critical Ontology Seriously: Implications for Political Science Methodology
Angela Wigger, Laura Horn
4. Relating Theory and Concepts to Measurements: Bridging the Gap
Paul Pennings
5. On Time and Space: The Historical Dimension in Political Science
Hans Keman
6. Systems Theory: The Search for a General Theory of Politics
Hans Keman
PART II APPROACHES: EXPLORING POLITICAL INTERACTIONS
7. Applying Multilevel Governance
Arjan H. Schakel
8. Regime Types: Measuring Democracy and Autocracy
Manfred G. Schmidt
9. Institutional Analysis: Progress and Problems
B. Guy Peters
10. Political Actors: Parties – Interest Groups – Government
Nicole Bolleyer
11. Social Movements and Political Action
Bert Klandermans
12. International Relations and Transnational Politics
Andreas Nölke
13. Political Economy: Economic Miracles and Socio-Economic Performance
Barbara Vis, Jaap J. Woldendorp and Kees Van Kersbergen
14. Political Theory and its Normative Methods
Keith Dowding
PART III ANALYZING POLITICS: DATA – CONCEPTS – TECHNIQUES
15. Organizing and Developing Data Sets: Exemplified by Party Government Dataset
Jaap J. Woldendorp
16. Political Institutions
Klaus Armingeon
17. Studying Voting Behavior
Joop J.M. Van Holsteyn and Galen A. Irwin
18. The Role of High Quality Surveys in Political Science Research
Sarah Butt, Sally Widdop and Lizzy Winstone
19. Quantitative Data Analysis in Political Science
Paul Pennings
20. Models in Political Science: Forms and Purposes
Robin E. Best and Michael D. McDonald
21. Qualitative Methods in Political Science
Selen A. Ercan and David Marsh
22. Multilevel Regression Analysis
Jan Kleinnijenhuis
PART IV RESEARCH TOOLS: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE APPLICATIONS
23. Studying How Policies Affect the People: Grappling with Measurement, Causality and the Macro-Micro Divide
Staffan Kumlin and Isabelle Stadelmann-Steffen
24. Regression Analysis
Uwe Wagschal
25. Configurational Comparative Methods (QCA And Fuzzy Sets): Complex Causation in Cross-Case Analysis
Benoît Rihoux
26. Discourse Analysis, Social Constructivism and Text Analysis: A Critical Overview
David Howarth and Steven Griggs
27. Case Study Analysis
Esther Seha and Ferdinand Müller-Rommel
28. Cluster Analysis
Uwe Wagschal
29. The Logic of process tracing: contributions, pitfalls and future directions
Sherry Zaks
PART V EVALUATION AND RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH OUTPUT
30. Political Science Research and its Political Relevance
Ben Crum
31. What’s Methodology Got to Do With it? Public Policy Evaluations, Observational Analysis and Rcts
Edward C. Page
32. Re-Analysis, Testability and Falsification
Jan-Erik Lane
33. The Art of Publishing: How to Report and Submit Your Findings
Richard S. Katz
Index
Introduction by the Editors
PART I POLITICAL SCIENCE: RANGE, SCOPE AND CONTESTED METHODOLOGIES
1. Political Science: Researching a Multifaceted Topic in Essentially Contested Ways
Philippe C. Schmitter
2. Epistemology and Approaches: Logic, Causation and Explanation
Dirk Berg-Schlosser
3. Taking Critical Ontology Seriously: Implications for Political Science Methodology
Angela Wigger, Laura Horn
4. Relating Theory and Concepts to Measurements: Bridging the Gap
Paul Pennings
5. On Time and Space: The Historical Dimension in Political Science
Hans Keman
6. Systems Theory: The Search for a General Theory of Politics
Hans Keman
PART II APPROACHES: EXPLORING POLITICAL INTERACTIONS
7. Applying Multilevel Governance
Arjan H. Schakel
8. Regime Types: Measuring Democracy and Autocracy
Manfred G. Schmidt
9. Institutional Analysis: Progress and Problems
B. Guy Peters
10. Political Actors: Parties – Interest Groups – Government
Nicole Bolleyer
11. Social Movements and Political Action
Bert Klandermans
12. International Relations and Transnational Politics
Andreas Nölke
13. Political Economy: Economic Miracles and Socio-Economic Performance
Barbara Vis, Jaap J. Woldendorp and Kees Van Kersbergen
14. Political Theory and its Normative Methods
Keith Dowding
PART III ANALYZING POLITICS: DATA – CONCEPTS – TECHNIQUES
15. Organizing and Developing Data Sets: Exemplified by Party Government Dataset
Jaap J. Woldendorp
16. Political Institutions
Klaus Armingeon
17. Studying Voting Behavior
Joop J.M. Van Holsteyn and Galen A. Irwin
18. The Role of High Quality Surveys in Political Science Research
Sarah Butt, Sally Widdop and Lizzy Winstone
19. Quantitative Data Analysis in Political Science
Paul Pennings
20. Models in Political Science: Forms and Purposes
Robin E. Best and Michael D. McDonald
21. Qualitative Methods in Political Science
Selen A. Ercan and David Marsh
22. Multilevel Regression Analysis
Jan Kleinnijenhuis
PART IV RESEARCH TOOLS: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE APPLICATIONS
23. Studying How Policies Affect the People: Grappling with Measurement, Causality and the Macro-Micro Divide
Staffan Kumlin and Isabelle Stadelmann-Steffen
24. Regression Analysis
Uwe Wagschal
25. Configurational Comparative Methods (QCA And Fuzzy Sets): Complex Causation in Cross-Case Analysis
Benoît Rihoux
26. Discourse Analysis, Social Constructivism and Text Analysis: A Critical Overview
David Howarth and Steven Griggs
27. Case Study Analysis
Esther Seha and Ferdinand Müller-Rommel
28. Cluster Analysis
Uwe Wagschal
29. The Logic of process tracing: contributions, pitfalls and future directions
Sherry Zaks
PART V EVALUATION AND RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH OUTPUT
30. Political Science Research and its Political Relevance
Ben Crum
31. What’s Methodology Got to Do With it? Public Policy Evaluations, Observational Analysis and Rcts
Edward C. Page
32. Re-Analysis, Testability and Falsification
Jan-Erik Lane
33. The Art of Publishing: How to Report and Submit Your Findings
Richard S. Katz
Index
