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.
Primary Sources
Primary Sources
A question often asked by those who are new to the process of political research is what is the distinction between primary and secondary levels of analysis? Generally speaking, undergraduate students would not be expected to generate and analyse substantive primary data. In order to address issues surrounding reliability and validity, students would simply not have access to the basic resources necessary for data creation. In contrast, doctoral students are expected to conduct a ‘substantial piece of original research’. Though it is sometimes incorrectly assumed that this entails creating new data, it is not necessarily the case. For example, the British Election Study (BES) involves the creation of a new set of data during a British General Election, which then acts ...
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