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Key Research Concepts in Politics and International Relations
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Key Research Concepts in Politics and International Relations



April 2013 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
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.

 
Indroduction
 
Action Research
 
Autobiography/Biography Research
 
Behaviourialism
 
Case Studies
 
Causality and Correlations
 
Comparative Method
 
Concepts
 
Content Analysis
 
Deduction/Induction
 
Discourse Analysis
 
Documentary Analysis
 
Ecological Fallacy
 
Empirical Analysis
 
Epistemology
 
Ethics
 
Ethnography and Ethnomethodology
 
Evidence-based Policy Making (EBPM)
 
Feminism/Feminist Methodologies
 
Focus Groups
 
Hypothesis-Testing and Inference
 
Interviewing
 
Levels of Measurement
 
Methods
 
Methodology
 
Narratives
 
Observation
 
Official Data
 
Ontology
 
Paradigm
 
Positivism
 
Post-postivism
 
Presenting Quantitative Analysis
 
Primary Sources
 
Qualitative Methods
 
Quantitative Methods
 
Rational-Choice
 
Realism
 
Reliability
 
Sampling
 
Secondary Analysis
 
Survey Design
 
Theory
 
Triangulation
 
Validity
 
Variables
 
Index

This book provides a clear, balanced and accessible introduction to a broad range of methodological concepts and techniques. Research methods can be a challenging area of study for undergraduate students, and this text will be an indispensable guide for students of Politics and International Relations at different stages of their degree.
Fidelma Ashe
Senior Lecturer in Politics, the University of Ulster


Lisa Harrison and Theresa Callan have succeeded in doing what few authors have hitherto managed! They have written a robust introductory text on research methods in the field of Politics and IR which is both clear and accessible and covers all bases succinctly. This book will be a tremendous resource for undergraduates in the field.
Dr Nicholas Startin
Lecturer in the Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, University of Bath


This volume provides a comprehensive, yet concise, examination of the main research concepts in politics and international relations. It is highly recommended, in particular, for students at undergraduate level.

Dr Elena Atanassova-Cornelis
Faculty of Political & Social Sciences, University of Antwerp
July 14, 2015

Despite the fact that the book structure is very attractive, the contents are not what I expected. I was expecting more practical contents.

Dr Patricia Garcia-Duran
International Law and Economy, University of Barcelona
September 25, 2014

Very attractive structure yet the contents are not explained in a practical manner.

Dr Patricia Garcia-Duran
International Law and Economy, University of Barcelona
September 25, 2014

This is an excellent glossary book and I have already started recommending it to some of my dissertation students. It will no doubt figure as an essential reading on next year's research methods module. Each concept is explained thoroughly and the further readings and examples (drawn from a wide range of fascinating research) perfectly complement each chapter. The style is pleasant and extremely clear while avoiding oversimplifications. My only regret, but it is a small one, is that some alternative research concepts or methods - such as life stories, using films or fiction - are not covered.

Dr Marie Gibert
School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University
April 7, 2014

A good, simple and well-structured overview of key research concepts and methods in IR.

Mr Jure Pozgan
Faculty of Social Science, University of Ljubljana
September 12, 2013

The material (basic definitions with recommended readings) is covered in other course texts and would be duplicative rather than additive.

Dr Tracy Johns
Political Science Dept, University of Florida
August 7, 2013

Includes clearly defined and focused explanation of research terms and approaches that will be invaluable for those newly involved in research appreciation and creation.

Mrs Dawn Tickner
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Surrey University
July 1, 2013

An excellent source of definitions and terms for undergraduates on all social science courses and research projects. Clearly written and very relevant to contemporary curricula.

Mr Michael Mahadeo
Dept of Sociology & Appl'd Soc Studies, Ulster University
June 27, 2013

Good overview of key concepts. I will recommend it to students who have troubles defining their research plan for the BA dissertation

Dr Aline Sierp
Department of History, Maastricht University
June 11, 2013

Lisa Harrison

Theresa Callan

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ISBN: 9781412911856
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