The APSA Interpretive Methodologies and Methods related group provides a forum for the discussion of methodologies and methods related to empirical interpretive research, as well as issues arising from their location within contemporary political science.

Master Events Calendar
UQ Visual Politics: Representing Nuclear War
Apr 9
UQ Visual Politics: Representing Nuclear War

In this seminar, Emily Faux (Newcastle University, UK) will discuss her Ph.D. work in progress, with a focus on her use of collage as a method for representing nuclear weapons and war.

RSVP here.

ICER Call for Fellowship Applications
Apr 20
ICER Call for Fellowship Applications

APSA’s Institute for Civically Engaged Research (ICER) is a four-day, residential institute that provides political scientists with training to conduct ethical and rigorous civically engaged research. Up to 20 scholars will be selected as ICER Fellows and invited to attend the 2025 Summer Institute. ICER Fellows will network with other like-minded political scientists, and together, learn best practices for conducting academically robust, mutually beneficial scholarship in collaboration with communities, organizations, and agencies outside of academia.

To apply, please complete this form. The deadline is April 20, 2025.

Richard Holtzman does Presidency Studies through an Interpretive Lens
Apr 25
Richard Holtzman does Presidency Studies through an Interpretive Lens

Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series

Richard Holtzman (Bryant University) will speak about the need for an interpretive lens in the study of the American Presidency, drawing from his book What Does the American Presidency Mean?, which is forthcoming with the Routledge Series on Interpretive Methods. This talk is part of a series of events leading up to the 25th anniversary of the Methods Café.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

James Curry does Legislative Studies through an Interpretive Lens
May 23
James Curry does Legislative Studies through an Interpretive Lens

Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series

James M. Curry (University of Utah) will speak about the value and importance of interpretive research to understand the American legislative branch, drawing from his book, Understanding American Legislatures: The Need for Interpretive-Qualitative Research, which is forthcoming with the Routledge Series on Interpretive Methods. This talk is part of a series of events leading up to the 25th anniversary of the Methods Café.

This event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Click here to register.

Mike Rowe studies Street-Level Bureaucrats
Jun 13
Mike Rowe studies Street-Level Bureaucrats

Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series

Mike Rowe (University of Liverpool) will discuss the value the value of interpretive analysis for the study of street-level bureaucrats—from police officers, to social workers, and teachers, drawing from his recently published book, Researching Street-level Bureaucracy, recently published with the Routledge Series on Interpretive Methods. This talk is part of a series of events leading up to the 25th anniversary of the Methods Café.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

News & Upcoming Events

Spotlight Scholars Program

The Spotlight Scholars program highlights outstanding early-career scholars whose work showcases or advances interpretive approaches to the study of politics. Our 2024-2025 Spotlight Scholars are Ronay Bakan, Lauren Baker, and Be Stone. Read more about their work by clicking here.

Call for Nominations

The Interpretive Methods & Methodologies group is now accepting nominations for our annual slate of awards, to be presented at the 2025 APSA Annual Meeting. Please view our awards page for details on how to nominate yourself or your colleagues.

Recent Awards

New Books Podcast