The Fundamentals of Political Science Research provides an introduction to the scientific study of politics It offers the basic tools necessary for readers to become both critical consumers & beginning producers of scientific research on politics Professors Kellstedt & Whitten present an integrated approach to research design & empirical analyses in which researchers can develop & test causal theories The authors use examples from political science research that students will find interesting & inspiring & that will help them understand key concepts The book makes technical material accessible to students who might otherwise be intimidated by mathematical examples This revised second edition refines discussions from the first edition with a new chapter on how to write an original research project The second edition also contains an additional forty exercises & adds definitions for terms discussed in each chapter