“Howard has filled an important void in the discipline with this valuable alternative to the traditional approach to teaching undergraduate research methods. Thinking Like a Political Scientist is engaging and relevant, as it takes students through what political scientists actually do—develop and test theories that explain political phenomena. This book will be immensely helpful for students—and their instructors—who want to emphasize research."
— Sarah Poggione, Ohio University
“Thinking Like a Political Scientist is a remarkably clear and well-written book. Drawing on more than a decade of experience teaching research methods, Howard moves seamlessly from one lesson to the next, developing the basic components of political science research in a compelling and intuitive way. Among the book’s many virtues are its extraordinarily rich and wide-ranging examples that enliven the lessons.”
— Daniel Galvin, Northwestern University
“Howard pulls back the curtain on conducting political science research—actually social research generally—and provides real tools for students to use when evaluating scholarly research and conducting competent empirical investigations of their own. It is eminently readable, communicating the basic principles with wit and even a sense of humor. This book takes what is often considered an abstract and dry topic and makes it come alive. It will serve students well for years to come.”
— Sanford F. Schram, Hunter College, CUNY
"In Thinking like a Political Scientist: A Practical Guide to Research Methods, Christopher
Howard makes a compelling case for transforming how research methods are taught to undergraduate students of political science. Through its accessible, easy-to-follow approach, this
new guide equips and encourages the next generation of political scientists to undertake research
that has the potential to directly impact pressing political issues"
— London School of Economics Review of Books