Summary
Contents
Subject index
This book is designed for students of Politics and International Relations at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. It provides explanations of fifty core concepts in political research methods and, uniquely, explains how these methods can be used in International Relations. Where relevant, alternative research concepts and strategies are suggested. Each ‘concept’ will incorporate a simple definition, a focused explanation, an examination of key debates and areas of research, along with cross-references to other related concepts. This format allows students and researchers alike to utilise the text either as a companion to specific modules, or on a ‘dip into’ basis. Key Features: - Provides an overview of the place of each concept in Politics and International Relations under the headings: meaning, origins and current usage. - Concepts are grouped into sections corresponding to the main themes usually covered in teaching. - Relevant concepts in the book are emboldened and linked by listing at the end of each concept - Guidance is provided to further reading on each of the concepts discussed.
Triangulation
Triangulation
In reality, high-quality research is a constant battle and, empirically we often face a gap between what we want to achieve ideally and what is actually attainable practically. Each method has strengths but also limitations, just as different types of data (quantitative and qualitative) capture different types of information. As such, high-quality research often equates to ‘the best that is available’, which is determined by two factors:
- the appropriateness of the research design
- the skills of the researcher – ‘slavish adherence to particular methods carries few rewards’ (Read and Marsh, 2002: 231).
In order to overcome the limitations of data type and method, researchers frequently employ a method of triangulation in order to increase confidence in their findings.
Read and Marsh identify two key reasons for utilizing ...
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