Research in PA (bridging course ENG)
In this course the participant will study the various methods and techniques of social science research, and the way they are being used in Public Administration research. The course is developed for students who have achieved an intermediate level based on previous education (usually Bachelor level).
The purpose of the course is to expand and deepen the knowledge and understanding of the content and practice of social science research obtained during previous education. The course is also explicitly meant as a preparation for the research and thesis writing process of the Master program.
The subjects dealt with in the course can be grouped in four clusters:
- The foundations of social scientific (and therefore public administration) research. In regard to this questions will be dealt with such as: What is (social) science? What forms of (social) scientific research are there? What philosophical views play an important role in social science research? What are the ethics of social scientific research?
- The planning and preparation of a social science research. In this context attention is paid to the role of theory in research, quantitative and qualitative measurement, random and non-random sampling techniques, and the literature review and research planning.
- The various types of research design. A distinction is made between quantitative and qualitative research designs. The quantitative research designs being discussed are the survey, experiment, and secondary analysis (or desk research); the qualitative research designs are the field study and the historical-comparative study.
- Elementary methods of quantitative and qualitative data analysis and report writing.
During the course two learning methods will be used: (1) self study and (2) lectures. During the lectures a handbook on the methods of social research will be discussed. This handbook is the backbone of the course. The lectures are specifically meant to assist the participants in studying this handbook. For this purpose the various subjects first will be introduced to the participants. Next, in order to show their relevance for public administration, the subjects are illustrated with the help of examples from the practice of public administration research.
Coordinator:
Dr. J.J.J.M. Wuisman
Teaching format:
Lectures & Self-learning
Course material:
Neuman, W. Lawrence (2007/2004), Basics of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 2nd edition, Pearson International Edition, Boston/New York: Pearson Education, ISBN: 0-205-49437-9.
[This is an abridged version of: Neuman W. Lawrence (2006), Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (sixth edition), Boston/New York: Pearson Education.]
Lecture notes / college aantekeningen
Examination:
Closed book exam
Enlist for the exam through U-twist
Entry requirements:
None
Schedule:
Lectures: Wednesday 28/10, 04/11
Time: 18.30-20.00u in room 403 Aula, Lange Houtstraat 5, Campus Den Haag.
Monday 09/11
Time: 18.30-20.00u in room 403 Aula, Lange Houtstraat 5, Campus Den Haag.
Tuesday 17/11, 24/11, 01/12 and 8/12.
Time: 15.00 – 17.00 hrs, room: 3B-08
Exam:
Wednesday December 16, 2009; 18.00-21.00 hrs in room Aula 403 and 404/405, Lange Houtstraat 5.
Re-exam:
Wednesday January 13, 2010; 18.00-21.00 hrs in room Aula 403, Lange Houtstraat 5.
This schedule is subject to change.
Latest update: November 10, 2009
The subjects of the various lecture sessions will be announced at the beginning of the course