The Political Science Student Writer's Manual

In its rawest form, the science of political inquiry exists as the energy, product, and work of a community engaged in survey. To this end, Gregory M. Scott and Stephen M. Garrison offer a fourth installment of The Political Science Student Writer's Manual; an effort which is less a textbook and more a left-brain to the neophyte who dares tread the waters of political inquiry. Adding minor additions and revisions to their 2000 effort, Gregory M. Scott's and Stephen M. Garrison's exquisite balancing of the research and analytical technique equip even the most nascent scientists with the powers of organization necessary to draw pointed and meaningful measurements. Though its tight format is quick-moving at times, Scott and Garrison's work offers a genuinely demonstrative approach to successful writing techniques for students of political science. Addressing the growing need for students to be able to perform contemporary research, Scott and Garrison present information in an easy-to-read, how-to format which makes it a must-have for any political science student. The science of politics is one which is intrinsically connected to every facet of the human condition; consequently, a student of this science must possess the dexterity to competently explore and address issues contained within the broader spectrum of life. Recognizing that this is not an easy task, Scott and Garrison break their book into six palatable parts, each addressing their own separate focuses. Part one, divided into four chapters, concentrates on writing, format, and citation. Part two, which was absent in their previous editions, consists of two chapters related specifically to distance learners and the use and inclusion of internet resources. Part three, consisting only of one chapter, focuses heavily on the organization of the research process, an effort which students of this discipline must take care in doing. Part four holds two chapters and offers explicit how-to information related to composing reviews, critiques, and research papers. Part five caters specifically to introductory-level students and, through its two chapters, offers information on issue reaction and position papers. Finally, part six, the bulkiest section, includes three detailed chapters for advanced-level students. Part six's contents include information on constructing a policy analysis paper, case briefs, and public opinion survey papers. Perhaps one of the most noticeable departures these authors take from their contemporaries lies in their straight-forward style and formatting. To a novice, this book literally reads like a how-to manual with simple, easy-to-understand diction resonating in each section. The use of basic and explanatory diction not only makes this read breezy, but it also juxtaposes well with the numerous examples and illustrations. Clear and frequent samples and visuals, such as those found in part one of chapter two, offer explicit information on how

If you are interested in political science and need to write about it, this is one book you should not miss. For beginners, the manual is useful in laying out the foundations they should have in writing about political science. The manual covers the basics in writing, such as grammar, punctuation and the format of the papers. For writers who are writing for specific audiences, the manual offers suggestions how to improve and refine your writing skills. For example, there are specific chapters dealing with writing policy analysis, public opinion surveys an d other types of writing. The manual aims to give the reader a better understanding of what is required of him or her when s/he undertakes the writing project. It also covers areas like defining a topic and organising the research process. Before you write a paper on political science, it is highly recommended that you use the manual to help hone your writing.