Qualitative Methods in Political Research

Bachelor 2024/2025

Type: Compulsory course (Political Science and World Politics)

Area of studies: Political Science

Delivered by: Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Where: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: András Gál

Language: English

ECTS credits: 5

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Abstract

The course offers an introduction to qualitative research in a positivist paradigm. In this regard, students will become familiar with case studies (both single and comparative) research and process-tracing, alongside major data collection techniques such as archival work, interviewing, legal analysis, or the use of media sources for constructing a case study. Most topics will be introduced through the combination of introductory lectures, discussions on foundational methodological literature, and critical analysis of exemplary qualitative research.The course consists of three major blocks. The first (topics 1-4) will introduce the major theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research, ranging from the epistemic foundations of positivist research to the differences between nomothetic and idiosyncratic inquiries. The second block (topics 5-13) will be dedicated to the various qualitative research strategies, such as comparative case studies, process-tracing, or set-theoretic methods. The thirds, final block of the course (topics 14-15) will address the practice of qualitative research, by faculty members and senior researchers as well as students.

Learning Objectives

The course consists of three major parts, each involving different class formats and instruction methods. The first block (topics 1-4) introduces the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research in a positivistic paradigm. The lectures will offer a broad theoretical introduction, while the seminar sessions will be dedicated to the scrutiny of critical concepts based on the mandatory readings. The second block (topics 5-13) is dedicated to various qualitative research designs (comparative case study, process-tracing, etc.). The case-based methods will be scrutinized by a combination of lectures and seminar discussions, while topics which require knowledge beyond the scope of this course (set theoretic methods, mixed-methods research) will be introduced in interactive lectures. In the third, final block of the course (topics 14-15) will focus the practical side of qualitative research: while the lectures will introduce qualitative research results by faculty members and students from other cohorts, the seminars will be dedicated to student presentations.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Searches, critically analyzes, and synthesizes information, and applies a systematic approach to address research design tasks
• Understands the operating principles of modern information technologies and applies them in qualitative methods
• Systematizes and interprets empirical information and academic texts on research design and qualitative methods, employing key methodological concepts
• Analyzes and interprets global and international political, social and economic processes to support socio-political decision-making, and prepare informational and analytical materials, including for media use
• Solves research tasks and problems for various ranges of application, mobilizing the appropriate methods for data-collection and interpretation

Course Contents

1. Social science as a debate: from literature review to research question
2. Major traditions in social sciences; nomothetic and idiosyncratic approaches
3. Concept-formation
4. Trade-offs and pitfalls in comparative political research
5. Comparative case studies
6. Descriptive case studies
7. Longitudinal case studies
8. Set-theoretic methods
9. Mixed-method research
10. Data-collection and the logistics of case study research
11. Non-interfering data collection methods (archives, legal sources, media, etc.)
12. Interfering data-collection methods (interviewing, surveys, etc.)
13. Integrating quantitative data into qualitative research
14. The practice of qualitative research: guest presentations
15. Student presentation workshops (5 sessions)
Methodological exercise
Project Presentation
Exam

Assessment Elements

methodological exercise
The methodological exercise is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical grasp on the various case study methods and techniques through the critical assessment of a published work, relying on the mandatory readings and class discussions. The exercise shall not exceed 1,000 words, including foot/endnotes, excluding bibliography.
project presentation
The project presentation should outline a research proposal involving one of the discussed case study methods. The presentation should touch upon the following: 1) research question, 2) identification of units of analysis and units of observation, 3) case selection, 4) expected research outcome, and 5) sources of data and data collection strategies. The presentation should be approximately 10 minutes-long, and followed by a constructive and collegial class discussion.
exam
The final exam will be an opportunity for students to demonstrate their familiarity with the core concepts and the mandatory readings introduced in the course. The 80 minutes-long closed-book exam will consist of multiple-choice questions.
class participation
In the class participation component, the following qualities can result in a maximal grade: • frequency and concision of class participations • originality of class contribution • connection between preparation materials and class contributions • contribution to class discussion dynamics • participation in maintaining an inspiring class environment

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 2nd module
0.1 * class participation + 0.3 * exam + 0.3 * methodological exercise + 0.3 * project presentation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Beach, D. V. (DE-588)1079073728, (DE-627)840192312, (DE-576)185046533, aut. (2019). Process-tracing methods foundations and guidelines Derek Beach and Rasmus Brun Pedersen.
Bob Hancké. (2009). Intelligent Research Design : A Guide for Beginning Researchers in the Social Sciences. OUP Oxford.
Collier, D., & Mahon, J. E. (1993). Conceptual “Stretching” Revisited: Adapting Categories in Comparative Analysis. American Political Science Review, (04), 845. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.a.cup.apsrev.v87y1993i04p845.855.10
Geddes, B. (1990). How the Cases You Choose Affect the Answers You Get: Selection Bias in Comparative Politics. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.88BE19B
Gerring, J. (2012). Mere Description. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007123412000130
King, G., Verba, S., & Keohane, R. O. (1994). Designing Social Inquiry : Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=329740
Landman, T. (2008). Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics : An Introduction (Vol. 3rd ed). Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=222321
Seawright, J., & Gerring, J. (2008). Case Selection Techniques in Case Study Research: A Menu of Qualitative and Quantitative Options. Political Research Quarterly, 61(2), 294–308. https://doi.org/10.1177/1065912907313077

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2012). Set-Theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences : A Guide to Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=473253

Authors

GAL ANDRASH

Course Syllabus