News
Kilburn Publishes New Book
September 12, 2025
This spring, Dr. Whitt Kilburn, Associate Professor of Political Science at Grand Valley State University, published Introduction to Political Analysis in R through Chapman and Hall/CRC. Dr. Kilburn has taught at GVSU since 2007 and offers courses on American politics, public opinion, and political analysis.
Introduction to Political Analysis in R is a practical guide designed for undergraduate political science majors interested in data-driven research. The book introduces foundational coding techniques in R, a leading statistical software, through analysis of real-world political data. Dr. Kilburn’s text emphasizes how to compile and work with data, conduct statistical analyses, and create appealing visualizations, while also guiding students to critically interpret findings and evaluate experimental claims.
Dr. Kilburn aims through his book to provide accessible coding for beginners and engaging examples in politics, helping students develop their skills. “My hope is that this book makes data analysis feel less intimidating and more empowering for students,” he said. “It would not have been possible to write without the engagement and suggestions from GV students in my Political Science courses. The curiosity and thoughtful questions of our students have been central to shaping the book’s approach."
The text adopts a progressive structure, beginning with the basics of R and data manipulation before advancing to more complex topics such as data visualization, spatial analysis, text analysis, and modeling. Through accessible language and engaging examples—ranging from U.S. election forecasting to global development trends—it demystifies complex analytical methods. Each chapter integrates coding exercises and real-world datasets to reinforce learning, fostering independent data analysis skills.