The systematically revised third edition of the leading text on approaches and methods in political science features a considerable internationalization in both the team of contributors and the range of coverage and examples. About half the chapters are entirely new and the rest are substantially revised and updated.

'A very useful and accessible text which delivers between two covers an in-depth introduction both to approaches and theories and to methods and research design. Its comprehensive coverage and user friendliness will make this new 3rd edition most attractive for students across a wide range of courses.' - Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University, USA
 
'An excellent introduction to theory and methods in which a distinguished group of scholars present and discuss eight theoretical approaches and seven methods for addressing key questions in Political Science. It will be valuable for both graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty who want to gain a broad overview of contemporary Political Science and its historical roots.' - Elinor Ostrom, Indiana University, USA
  
Review of previous edition:
 
'[A]n excellent overview of modern political science...extremely useful...for introducing students to the complexities of theories and methods.' - Martin J. Smith, British Politics
 
 

Introduction; G.Stoker and D.Marsh
PART I: THEORY AND APPROACHES
Introduction to Part I; G.Stoker
Behavoural Analysis; D.Sanders
Rational Choice; A.Hindmoor
The Institutional Approach; V.Lowndes
Constructivism and Interpretive Theory; C.Parsons 
Political Psychology; Paul 't Hart
Feminism; V.Randall
Marxism; D.Macguire
Normative Theory; S.Buckler
PART II: METHODS AND RESEARCH DESIGN
Introduction to Part II; G.Stoker
Ontology and Epistemology in Political Science; D.Marsh and P.Furlong
Meta-Theoretical Issues; D. Marsh
The Challenge of Research Design; B.Hancke
Rediscovering Qualitative Approaches; A.Vromen
Quantitative Methods; P.John
The Comparative Method; J.Hopkin
The Experimental Method: Prospects for Laboratory and Field Studies; G.Stoker and H.Margetts
The Relevance of Political Science; G.Peters, J.Pierre and G.Stoker 

DAVID MARSH is Director, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, Australia.

GERRY STOKER is Professor of Politics, University of Southampton, UK.