Description
This course introduces the foundations of empirical political science research. Goal of this course is to help you develop the skills that are necessary to design an empirical research project and provide you with the tools to test falsifiable hypotheses against evidence. Knowledge of methods of research, and analytical skills are required for the design of a solid research project. Our aim is to focus on improving the following: – Formulating a research question that can be answered using standard methods of research; – Establishing the relevance of the research question for theory and society; Finding theoretical literature on the topic of research; – Developing hypotheses concerning the relationship between variables that are based on the theoretical literature; – Understanding the principles that relate to the support or rejection of hypotheses and theories; – Being able to present one’s hypotheses and findings in a coherent and comprehensible manner; – Thinking in terms of relationships between variables, including possible causal relationships; – Learning to incorporate feedback into an improved, revised version of one’s presentation; – Presenting a written presentation that satisfies the criteria required in scientific publications, including proper citation and bibliographical forms.
In addition, in our class we cover descriptive statistics, fundamental distributions, and measures of association. We then move to statistical inference and hypothesis testing, including linear regression and regression models for categorical dependent variables, and discuss the application of inferential methods to qualitative research designs.
In this class you are expected to participate and discuss the main concepts and studies from each section’s readings. Weekly homework is also assigned.
Methods of Instruction
Lecture 50%, Computer-lab practice 20%, Class tasks and discussion 20%, Student presentations 10%.
Study material
Literature (approx. 600 pp): 1) King, Keohane and Verba.1994. Designing Social Inquiry. Princenton University Press; 2) Reader available at the Library of the Faculty of Social Science
Examination
Homework 80%, Critical Research Paper 20%.
Time table
First meeting for all students: Thursday October 30, 11.00-13.00 Ch12
At this meeting the class is split, and starting November 8th the two groups will meet at the same time (11.00-13.00 a.m.) but in different rooms:
Group A (Sergiu Gherghina): Thursday November 6 til December 18, 11.00 a.m. -13.00 p.m., in 1A26(pc)
Group B (to be announced): Thursday November 6 till December 18, 11.00 a.m. -13.00 p.m., in 1A28(pc)