Master
2021/2022
Methodology and Research Methods of Political Science
Type:
Compulsory course (Data Analytics for Politics and Society )
Area of studies:
Political Science
When:
1 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Master’s programme:
Data Analytics for Politics and Society
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
We will discuss methods and approaches to data collection, processing, and presentation: whether you can trust different data, what role they play in the production of scientific knowledge and in the data-driven decision-making process. Students will be introduced to the basics of qualitative and quantitative methodology, the principles of developing research design, assessing possible problems during its implementation and subsequent presentation. Particular attention will be paid to understanding the relationship of methods with the purpose of the study and with its theoretical foundations.
Learning Objectives
- This course aims at introducing students to the basics of research methodology in social and political science. They will get familiar with the main methods and approaches, get basic model thinking skills, and learn to formulate a testable model of social/ political processes
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Able to assess, model and predict socio-political processes at the global, international, national, regional and local levels based on the methodology of theoretical and empirical research
- Able to organize and conduct political analysis of socially significant projects
- Able to develop the design of scientific and applied research, including that carried out by a team, based on modern methodologies of political science and general scientific approaches
- Able to independently master new research methods, change the scientific and production profile of their activities
- Able to reflect (evaluate and process) mastered scientific methods and methods of activity
- Able to use modern empirical databases (including international ones) in scientific and project activities, independently create databases for the implementation of research and practical tasks
Course Contents
- Nature of social explanation. Theories of the middle range
- Process of instantiation. Concepts and nomological networks
- Thought experiments in social science. the nature of relationships
- Causal relations. Defining causality
- Developing causal diagrams from scratch
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 2nd module0.1 * midterm exam + 0.3 * activities in class + 0.1 * tests + 0.2 * final exam + 0.3 * written paper
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Hegde, D. S. (2015). Essays on Research Methodology. New Delhi: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=nlebk&AN=1001250
- Maruyama, G., & Ryan, C. S. (2014). Research Methods in Social Relations (Vol. 8th ed). Malden, Mass: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=798826
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Gordon Rugg, & Marian Petre. (2007). A Gentle Guide to Research Methods. Open University Press.
- Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research Methodology : Methods & Techniques: Vol. 2nd rev. ed. New Age International.