POL242Y1Y L5101

Research Methods for Specialists

Themes

This course introduces students of political science to the methods used to gather and analyze evidence. Unlike other political science courses that focus on the classic themes of politics (e.g. democracy, statehood, institutions, actors), this course emphasizes the techniques, and methods, used to explain how and why things happen in politics, providing a toolkit that allows students to conduct their own research and analyze the results. Drawing on political examples when introducing concepts and techniques, the course emphasizes practice (e.g., choice of appropriate statistical procedure, interpretation) over theory (mathematical proofs). As such, no prior background in mathematics is required. Themes covered in this course include: approaches to the study of political science, the decision making in research design and appropriate methods of analysis.

Texts

TBA

Format and Requirements

The course will be offered in a computer lab, exposing students to data and providing a means for statistical analysis during class time, with instructor assistance. Most assignments involve reporting results of original analyses following examples provided by the instructor. There is also a required presentation and final exam.

Prerequisites

1.0 POL credit