Quantitative Research Methods (POLS 530)

2022 Spring
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Political Science(POLS)
3
10
Mert Moral mmoral@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Doctoral, Master
POLS529
Formal lecture,Interactive lecture,Recitation,Group tutorial
Discussion based learning,Project based learning,Task based learning,Guided discovery
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CONTENT

This course provides an introduction to quantitative research methods used in political science. Basic exposure is provided to descriptive tabular analysis and statistics, probability, distribution theory, central limit theorem, hypothesis testing, ordinary least squares and multivariate regression methods. It also aims to expose students to ethical consideration in research and publishing.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this course is to introduce graduate students to quantitative research methods, particularly to the theory, application, and interpretation of the most commonly used regression methods in social sciences and political science.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • By the end of the semester, students will be able to comprehend and critically and constructively evaluate recent quantitative political science research
  • Have acquired the necessary skills to design and execute their own quantitative study
  • Choose and apply the most suitable regression method/s.
  • Learn more advanced concepts and methods in the future

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES


1. Develop and deepen the current and advanced knowledge in the field with original thought and/or research and come up with innovative definitions based on Master's degree qualifications 5

2. Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with ; come up with original solutions by using knowledge requiring proficiency on analysis, synthesis and assessment of new and complex ideas. 5

3. Evaluate and use new information within the field in a systematic approach. 5

4. Develop an innovative knowledge, method, design and/or practice or adapt an already known knowledge, method, design and/or practice to another field; research, conceive, design, adapt and implement an original subject. 5

5. Critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation of new and complex ideas. 5

6. Gain advanced level skills in the use of research methods in the field of study. 5

7. Contribute the progression in the field by producing an innovative idea, skill, design and/or practice or by adapting an already known idea, skill, design, and/or practice to a different field independently. 4

8. Broaden the borders of the knowledge in the field by producing or interpreting an original work or publishing at least one scientific paper in the field in national and/or international refereed journals. 4

9. Demonstrate leadership in contexts requiring innovative and interdisciplinary problem solving. 3

10. Develop new ideas and methods in the field by using high level mental processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. 5

11. Investigate and improve social connections and their conducting norms and manage the actions to change them when necessary. 3

12. Defend original views when exchanging ideas in the field with professionals and communicate effectively by showing competence in the field. 3

13. Ability to communicate and discuss orally, in written and visually with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio C1 General Level. 4

14. Contribute to the transition of the community to an information society and its sustainability process by introducing scientific, technological, social or cultural improvements. 4

15. Demonstrate functional interaction by using strategic decision making processes in solving problems encountered in the field. 3

16. Contribute to the solution finding process regarding social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems in the field and support the development of these values. 5


1. Develop the ability to use critical, analytical, and reflective thinking and reasoning 5

2. Reflect on social and ethical responsibilities in his/her professional life. 4

3. Gain experience and confidence in the dissemination of project/research outputs 5

4. Work responsibly and creatively as an individual or as a member or leader of a team and in multidisciplinary environments. 4

5. Communicate effectively by oral, written, graphical and technological means and have competency in English. 5

6. Independently reach and acquire information, and develop appreciation of the need for continuously learning and updating. 4


1. Develop a thorough knowledge of theories, concepts, and research methods in the field and apply them in research design and data analysis. 5

2. Assess the impact of the economic, social, and political environment from a global, national and regional level. 4

3. Know how to access written and visual, primary and secondary sources of information, interpret concepts and data from a variety of sources in developing disciplinary and interdisciplinary analyses. 5


1. Analyze historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective. 2

2. Grasp the main dynamics of the European order, politically, historically and economically. 2

3. Explain the European integration process and the EU's decision-making procedures and it's institutions. 2


1. Analyze historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective. 2

2. Grasp the main dynamics of the European order, politically, historically and economically. 2

3. Explain the European integration process and the EU's decision-making procedures and it's institutions. 2


1. Begin to grasp historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics. 2


1. Analyze current and persistent conflict situations with an emphasis on perceptual and cultural aspects of social conflicts. 3

2. Conduct research in sources of conflicts and possible conflict resolution methods such as negotiation, third-party intervention, cooperative decision making, peace building, track-two and citizens' diplomacy applied to various social contexts. 4

3. Design and implement conflict resolution process to policy issues related to disputes in or among identity groups, governments, organizations, civil society or corporations. 3

4. Develop and sustain arguments in a variety of forms, formulating appropriate questions and utilizing evidence. 4


1. Analyze current and persistent conflict situations with an emphasis on perceptual and cultural aspects of social conflicts. 3

2. Conduct research in sources of conflicts and possible conflict resolution methods such as negotiation, third-party intervention, cooperative decision making, peace building, track-two and citizens' diplomacy applied to various social contexts. 4

3. Design and implement conflict resolution process to policy issues related to disputes in or among identity groups, governments, organizations, civil society or corporations. 3

4. Develop and sustain arguments in a variety of forms, formulating appropriate questions and utilizing evidence. 4


1. Begin to grasp historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics. 2

ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA

  Percentage (%)
Term-Paper 35
Participation 10
Written Report 10
Presentation 10
Homework 35

RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS

Textbook

Cameron, A. Colin, and Pravin K. Trivedi. 2005. Microeconometrics: Methods and Applications. Cambridge, NY: Cambridge University Press.

King, Gary. 1998. Unifying Political Methodology: The Likelihood Theory of Statistical Inference. Ann Arbor, MA: University of Michigan Press.

Long, J. Scott. 1997. Regression Models for Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

Wooldridge, Jeffrey M. 2016. Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach. 6th Edition. Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.

Optional Readings

Acock, Alan C. 2018. A Gentle Introduction to Stata. 6th Edition. College Station, TX: Stata Press.

Cameron, A. Colin, and Pravin K. Trivedi. 2009. Microeconometrics Using Stata. College Station, TX: Stata Press.

Long, J. Scott, and Jeremy Freese. 2014. Regression Models for Categorical Dependent Variables Using Stata. 3rd Edition. College Station, TX: Stata Press.