A Microsoft Excel® Companion to Political Analysis

This hands-on workbook transforms Microsoft Excel from a basic spreadsheet tool into a powerful instrument for political science research, guiding students through actual datasets and current scholarly debates. Through clear step-by-step instructions and annotated screenshots, readers learn to manipulate political data across American politics and comparative government subfields, building practical data analysis skills that move beyond theoretical concepts. The approach emphasizes learning by doing with guided examples that mirror real-world political research challenges, making complex analytical techniques accessible even for those new to quantitative methods.

What sets this guide apart is its direct application to contemporary political questions, allowing students to immediately connect spreadsheet functions with substantive political analysis. The workbook's strength lies in its ability to demystify data manipulation while maintaining academic rigor, providing a bridge between classroom learning and professional research practices. Political science majors and policy students will find this an indispensable resource for developing the quantitative literacy increasingly demanded in both academic and applied settings, ultimately transforming how they engage with political evidence and arguments.