This six-author study highlights the most significant attributes of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and explains the techniques of authoring CAI lessons in political science. Fourth in a series of Instructional Resource Monographs, the volume has the objective to inform political science teachers and students about what CAI has to offer on a range of topics, including political philosophy and political behavior. The volume is divided into two sections. Section I concerns theory and deals with the capabilities and problems of CAI in general. It is divided into three chapters: "The Computer as an Aid to Effective Teaching;""CAI: What's in It for Me?;" and "Authoring Made Easier: How CAI Packages Work." Section II deals with CAI practice and presents three experimental examples of CAI in political science. It includes these chapters: "Playing Politics: Reflections on an Experiment in Computer-Based Education;""Computer-Assisted Instruction in Political Philosophy;" and "Teaching Principles and Methods with CAI." A guide to selected continuing sources of information on CAI is included. (Author/DB)