After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Illustrate that political scientists use empirical research methods to investigate important questions about politics and government.
   
• Discuss the ways that research on inequality examines the importance of group power in determining winners and losers.
   
• Relate how research attempts to explain why some people participate in politics more than others.
   
• Summarize findings into what accounts for the gender gap in elected officeholders.
   
• Explain the approach of studies into the repression of human rights.
   
• Identify the obstacles of researching judicial decision making.
   
• Describe the technical issues considered in studying lobbying and oversight of federal agencies.
   
• Relate the results of studies on the effect of campaign advertising on voters.
   
• Discuss the findings of research on the factors influencing public support for US military involvement.