POLITICAL METHODOLOGY

Catalog description

This Methods course is different from most political science courses because, while most focus on the substance of politics this one is about the tools we use to answer research questions and generate knowledge in the field. It also prepares students for POLS 4695 Senior Seminar. In short, students will learn how to critically read and evaluate quantitative and qualitative research in the field, and to do their own research in political science. They will gain practical skills in quantitative analysis by learning how to use SPSS, and other software, with popular datasets in political science (General Social Survey, American National Election Survey, etc.) to run cross-tabs, chi-square analysis, and multivariate regression to describe patterns, make comparisons, test hypotheses, and make predictions. Students will also develop their own empirical questions and design their own empirical study through a comprehensive literature review and research design. The goals of this course are to enable students to formulate and critically evaluate empirical research, formulate their own well-considered hypotheses and research design, and present arguments in a clear and methodologically rigorous manner.