Description
Purpose: 1. Introduction to the theory and practice of empirical research methods in political science. 2. Familiarizing students with the core concepts and basic principles of political science research and learn how to use various methods.
Content: This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of empirical research methods in political science. Students will become familiar with the core concepts and basic principles of political science research, why research methods are important, and how to use them. Among the topics covered in the course are scientific theories, empirical reasoning, causality, the development of testable and verifiable research questions, the operationalisation of key concepts and terms, the choice of the appropriate research design, and the presentation and interpretation of empirical results. Selected articles will be used as examples and discussed in both lectures and corresponding workgroups. As part of the workgroups, students will also work on various assignments, including data analyses using SPSS.
Method of Instruction
The course consists of lectures and workgroups, and students are expected to attend both. Students must sign up in time for the course and in particular for the workgroups (numbers are limited).
Course material
Number of pages: 300-350.
Jarol B. Manheim, Richard C. Rich, Lars Willnat, Craig Leonard Brians, and James Babb. 2012. Empirical Political Analysis: An Introduction to Research Methods. Longman.
Textbook already used in statistics course: George Argyrous. 2011. Statistics for Research: With a Guide to SPSS. 3rd edition. Sage. (or equivalent)
Selected articles and chapters (available via Blackboard).
Examination
A final exam at the end of the course will cover material from lectures, workgroups, and the literature. The final course grade is based on both the final exam and the average score of workgroup assignments.
Exam
Tuesday 23 October, 13.00-16.00 hrs, in USC
Re-exam
Wednesday 9 January 2013, 13.00-16.00 hrs, in USC
You can register for an exam or retake through USIS until 10 days before the exam or retake
Schedule:
Lectures
Monday 10 September till 15 October, 15.00-17.00 hrs, Gorl 03 (except 15 October KOG/1A44)
Thursday 6 September till 18 October, 15.00-17.00 hrs, Gorl. 03 (except 6 September, 13.00-15.00 in KOG/C131)
Workgroups
workgroup 1: Wednesday 5 September till 17 October, 9.00-11.00 hrs, 6C03
workgroup 2: Wednesday 5 September till 17 October, 9.00-11.00 hrs, 1A33
workgroup 3: Wednesday 5 September till 17 October, 11.00-13.00 hrs, 1A27 (behalve 26 sept en 17 okt 0A28 en 10 okt SA49)
workgroup 4: Wednesday 5 September till 17 October, 11.00-13.00 hrs, 6C03
workgroup 5: Wednesday 5 September till 17 October, 13.00-15.00 hrs, SA21
workgroup 6: Wednesday 5 September till 17 October, 13.00-15.00 hrs, 1A21
Entrance Requirements
Statistiek I & Statistiek II