Module Code - Title:
PO4102
-
METHODS AND RESEARCH IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will develop students knowledge of research and methods by introducing them to theory building, research design, and methods of data collection and analysis.
Syllabus:
1. The Scientific Study of Politics
2. Theory Building
3. Evaluating Causal Relationships
4. Research Design
5. Measurement
6. Descriptive Statistics and Graphs
7. Statistical Inference
8. Bivariate Analysis
9. Bivariate Regression Analysis
10. Multiple Regression Analysis
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Define the key elements of social scientific theories
Describe and differentiate some of the research designs used by students of politics.
Explain the principles governing the selection and application of those designs to key political questions.
Select and employ appropriate statistical techniques for the understanding of political phenomena.
Conduct and interpret the results of a statistical analysis with an appropriate software package.
Share research findings with peers in written form.
Evaluate the research findings of others in light of their method and approach.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Display a commitment to ethical practice in social scientific research
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Demonstrate proficiency in computer-assisted data analysis
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Kellstedt, P.M., and G.D. Whitten (2009)
The Fundamentals of Political Science Research
, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Burnham, P. , W. Grant, and Z. Layton-Henry (2004)
Research Methods in Politics
, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Marsh, D. and G. Stoker (2002)
Theories and Methods in Political Science
, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Other Relevant Texts:
Goodin, R.E., and H.-D. Klingemann (1997)
A New Handbook of Political Science
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Heywood, A (2007)
Politics
, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
Rory.costello@ul.ie