Statistical reasoning and techniques used by social researchers to summarize data and test hypotheses. Topics include describing data collection, sampling measurement, distributions, cross-tabulations, scaling, probability,correlation/regression and non-parametric tests.
Research Methods I (SPS 311)
Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
Conflict Analysis & Resolution Minor | * | ||
Decision and Behavior Minor | * | ||
International Studies | * | ||
International Studies | * | ||
Political Science | * | ||
Political Science and International Relations | * | ||
Political Science and International Relations | * | ||
Political Science (Previous Name: Social and Political Sciences) | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
This course is designed as an initiation into social science research. As an introduction, we focus on questions like, why bother with scientific thinking? What differentiates scientific thinking from its competitors? Where do concepts and theories come from? What is a variable, and how do we ensure that it accomplishes the tasks we hope it will accomplish? How does one find a research topic, design an inquiry, conduct the research, and present its findings? The course introduces various methods social scientists employ for their research and mainly focuses on quantitative data analysis methods. It gives the basic data science skills to analyze quantitative data.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Formulate research questions and hypotheses.
- Collect and use data for a specific research project.
- Identify various research methods and develop a critical approach in evaluating methodology.
- Develop quantitative methods and data analysis skills.
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ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
Percentage (%) | |
Final | 20 |
Midterm | 20 |
Assignment | 24 |
Group Project | 25 |
Other | 11 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
Textbook |
Imai, K., & Williams, N. W. (2022). Quantitative Social Science: An Introduction in Tidyverse. Princeton University Press. |
Readings |
Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A field experiment on labor market discrimination. American Economic Review, 94(4), 991-1013. |