This warm and accessible book makes a very basic introduction to the nature of research questions and methods of empirical research in political science. It aims to have readers understand why a particular method is chosen, beyond just what method to choose—and communicates not only how to conduct research, but how interesting and exciting original research can be. Chapter topics emphasize the internal logic of empirical measurement and analysis of observations in the conception and pursuit of a research project. Emphasizing the design of interesting research questions and basic problems of measurement and data analysis, this book relies more on intuitive understanding than on formal development. For individuals interested in political science research methods.