Course Description
Basic principles of research in political science. Focus on testing of empirical propositions, with particular emphasis on survey research methods and on data analysis and interpretation. No statistical knowledge required. Prerequisite: Majors only
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Explain the core concepts, logic, and purposes of empirical research in political science.
- Formulate clear, researchable questions and hypotheses about political behavior, institutions, and public policy.
- Apply basic research design and causal reasoning to select appropriate methods, and carry out introductory quantitative analyses (descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression) using statistical software.
- Critically read and interpret empirical research, identifying key assumptions, methods, and limitations.
- Evaluate the credibility and relevance of empirical evidence for understanding political questions and assessing policy claims.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Group Assignment 1 – Research Question & Hypothesis | 5% |
| Group Assignment 2 – Conceptual & Operational Definitions | 10% |
| Group Assignment 3 – T-Test and Interpretation | 10% |
| Group Assignment 4 – Regression Analysis & Research Paper | 15% |
| Exam 1 | 15% |
| Exam 2 | 15% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Class Participation | 10% |
Attendance/Participation:
Class participation, which reflects attendance, engagement in class discussions, and involvement in in-class activities, is worth 10% of the final grade.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Pollock, Philip H., III, and Barry C. Edwards. 2022. An IBM SPSS Companion to Political Analysis, Seventh Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press / SAGE Publishing.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.