This widely used text is a nontechnical introduction to research design and analysis in political science, celebrated for its clarity and conceptual depth. Shively and Endersby focus on the internal logic of research, encouraging students to ask compelling questions and design studies that systematically eliminate alternative explanations. The book covers essential topics such as theory development, multidimensional concepts, levels of measurement, validity, reliability, sampling, causality, and both experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Students learn not just how to conduct research, but why certain methodological choices matter, fostering a deeper understanding of the principles behind the techniques.

The 11th edition brings a host of updates to reflect contemporary research practices. It introduces new and revised examples from the US, UK, Canada, Latin America, and Africa, along with updated international data from sources like the World Bank and United Nations. Separate chapters on causality and research design provide more detailed discussions of each component of the research process. New sections address indexes and scales for improving measurement reliability and validity, as well as practical guidance on gathering and using publicly available quantitative data—including internet surveys and other modern techniques. Throughout, the book emphasizes conceptual understanding, using a broad range of real-world examples to illustrate key points and make complex ideas accessible.