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.

• Engaging, accessible style with explicit guidance for each research stage on both the ethics of that stage and how to write about doing that stage
• Every chapter features Talking Tips which explicitly provide models for talking about specific research tasks, as well as a range of templates. Gradually introduces technical language and professional-style expressions in a progressive manner
• Intuitive presentation, conveying the core insights with no (or limited) mathematics to increase student confidence
• Accessible to all social science students; minimal content knowledge is required to understand the core concepts
• Improves student access to support resources by providing them with frames and prompts for seeking support