Overview

Empirical research papers are a mix of technical skill and unwritten insider information. Providing practical guidance on how to design, analyze, and write about research, this engaging second edition is fully updated with expanded coverage of finding and using data, a topical running example, and new appendices introducing quantitative analysis techniques. It covers everything from crafting a question, theory, and hypotheses to choosing a research design, acquiring and analyzing data, drafting, peer review, and presenting your work. Practical strategies are combined with a step-by-step breakdown of every stage of the research design and writing processes, conveyed with clarity and humor. The intuitive presentation illustrates the core insights and concepts in a lively and accessible manner for readers, including those with no mathematical background and from fields beyond political science. New 'Common Challenges' boxes join a wealth of inspiring pedagogical features. Online resources include a revised Instructor's Manual, exercises and essays.

Full Product Details

9781009651943

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Empirical Research and Writing is a clearly written, comprehensive text that gives students practical guidance through every step of the research and writing process. In this updated edition, Powner has again produced a fantastic resource for undergraduate and even beginning graduate students as they learn how to conduct original research. A highly recommended text.' Kevin Pallister, Bridgewater College 'Leanne Powner's Empirical Research and Writing, now in its second edition, is one of the most effective guides to teaching and learning the craft of doing research in the social sciences I've ever come across. Written from the perspective of a political scientist, yet useful to the needs of students across disciplines in the social sciences, ER&W integrates the core elements of research design and writing rather than treating them separately. More importantly, ER&W's second edition expands on several important issues, including concept formation and a stronger focus on quantitative methods. The result is a text that is rigorous, accessible, and empowering, a book that consistently helps students move from ideas to well-designed, well-written empirically based scholarship.' Raul Pacheco-Vega, FLACSO Sede Mexico 'Powner offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to applied data analysis for students who may be apprehensive about the subject. This text skillfully guides readers through the scientific method as applied to political inquiry, from formulating questions and theories to operationalizing concepts, collecting and managing data, and evaluating evidence with essential statistical techniques. This is a welcome text for undergraduate research methods!' Cody Eldredge, Oakland University 'Empirical Research and Writing is one of the best resources for understanding the research process. Dr. Powner provides an honest, in-depth explanation of how scholars go from research topic all the way to a final paper and presentation, breaking down large projects into less intimidating pieces, leading to more positive experiences for professors and students.' Elizabeth Maltby, University of Nevada 'I've used this book in both graduate and undergraduate courses with great success. It does a fantastic job of breaking down the key elements of a research paper and, critically, explains the goal of each part to the students. The section on literature reviews alone is a game-changer! Many students have told me they keep the book with them and use it extensively when writing papers in other classes. This is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to teach students how to conduct independent research.' Sarah E. Croco, University of Maryland 'Powner provides the friendliest and most accessible introduction to the process of crafting an empirical research paper imaginable. She invites students into the research process, helping them to see themselves as capable researchers who are not merely passive consumers of existing scholarship but capable of making their own contributions. The breadth of coverage and hands-on exercises are especially valuable.' Wendy L. Martinek, Binghamton University

Author Information

Leanne C. Powner holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan and a BA in International Studies from the American University. Previous faculty posts include The College of Wooster, the American University, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Christopher Newport University and Salve Regina University. Previous publications include Applying the Strategic Perspective (third and fourth edition). In the last decade she has launched and operated Leanne C. Powner Coaching and Editing, which specializes in helping faculty and Ph.D. students through writing and professional challenges. She works with nearly 100 clients a year on book development, argumentation, articles and other scholarship, and more.

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