Developed specifically for political science students, Explorations provides the necessary tools for thinking about research issues in political science and understanding the power and the limitations of both quantitative and qualitative data. In accessible and engaging language, the authors take students through the steps entailed in empirical research, including conceptualizing research problems, considering ethical guidelines, determining the evidence anddata that should be brought to bear, using statistical tests, measuring the concepts that a researcher wishes to address, and describing research findings. Throughout the book, students are actively engaged through exercises that challenge them to apply their understanding to familiarsituations.