Real Social Science presents a new, hands-on approach to social inquiry. The theoretical and methodological ideas behind the book, inspired by Aristotelian phronesis, represent an original perspective within the social sciences, and this volume gives readers for the first time a set of studies exemplifying what applied phronesis looks like in practice. The reflexive analysis of values and power gives new meaning to the impact of research on policy and practice. Real Social Science is a major step forward in a (...) novel and thriving field of research. This book will benefit scholars, researchers and students who want to make a difference in practice, not just in the academy. Its message will make it essential reading for students and academics across the social sciences. (shrink)

Why do we compare nations? How do we compare nations? What are the 'big issues' in comparative politics? _Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics_ provides students with the answers to these fundamental questions. It is an accessible and user-friendly text which explores the strategies of comparative research in political science. This book has been designed to make a complex subject easy and accessible to students. Features of this textbook include: * briefing boxes located throughout which explain key concepts and ideas (...) * suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter * a glossary of terms. (shrink)

Building on the strengths of the first edition, this accessible and user-friendly textbook explores the strategies of comparative research in political science. It begins by examining different methods, then highlights some of the big issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples before discussing the new challenges in the area. Thoroughly revised throughout with the addition of extensive new material, this edition is also supplemented by the availability online of the author's datasets. The book is designed to make (...) a complex subject easier and more accessible for students, and contains: * briefing boxes explaining key concepts and ideas * suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter * a glossary of terms. (shrink)

Building on the strengths of the second edition, this highly regarded textbook continues to provide the best introduction to the strategies of comparative research in political science. Divided into three parts, the book begins by examining different methods, applying these methods to dominant issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples from around the world, and then discusses the new challenges in the area. New to this edition: features explanation of regression analysis with accompanied briefing boxes new discussion (...) of the assumptions, research design, and the use of statistics characteristic of many-country comparisons single and multi-country studies - how to compare countries and address problems of comparison, especially the principles for selecting countries new chapter on the intersection between international relations and comparative politics all chapters have been updated with new publications and research output relevant to the discussion. Balancing reader friendly features with high quality analysis makes this popular academic text essential reading for everyone interested comparative politics and research methods. (shrink)

Building on the strengths of the second edition, this highly regarded textbook continues to provide the best introduction to the strategies of comparative research in political science. Divided into three parts, the book begins by examining different methods, applying these methods to dominant issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples from around the world, and then discusses the new challenges in the area. New to this edition: features explanation of regression analysis with accompanied briefing boxes new discussion (...) of the assumptions, research design, and the use of statistics characteristic of many-country comparisons single and multi-country studies - how to compare countries and address problems of comparison, especially the principles for selecting countries new chapter on the intersection between international relations and comparative politics all chapters have been updated with new publications and research output relevant to the discussion. Balancing reader friendly features with high quality analysis makes this popular academic text essential reading for everyone interested comparative politics and research methods. (shrink)