what can one learn from taking political science research methods course

Political Science Research Methods helps students to understand the logic behind research design by guiding them through a step-by-step process that explains when and why a researcher would pursue different kinds of methods.

Full Answer

How do you conduct political science research?

This is a course on quantitative political methodology, which utilizes statistical methods to inves-tigate problems in political science. You will learn to conduct reproducible research in political science with quantitative data. More speci cally, you will learn: how to nd data that enable you to answer your research questions,

What is a political science course?

My goals in this course are to help you learn to think systematically about the political science topics in which you are interested, develop the skills necessary to put your ideas to the test, and to be able to critically evaluate the research of others. To do this, we will examine the central aspects of the empirical study of politics: hypothesis testing, measurement, inference, …

What do students learn in research methods B?

Introduction to the use of quantitative techniques in political science and public policy. Topics include descriptive statistics and principles of statistical inference and probability through analysis of variance and ordinary least-squares regression. …

What is government and government studies?

Learning about research methods One purpose of this website is to aid in the instruction of social science research methods. The most useful subjects will be in the “Research” section. That section introduces many of the key approaches, methods and techniques employed in the research process. The first two sections — on causality and concepts…

Why do students of political science need to learn research methods?

It prepares students to read, interpret, critique, design, and conduct original, empirical research in political science. ... As a group, students will collect and analyze their own data -- either qualitative or quantitative -- to answer the research question, and present findings to classmates.

What do you learn in a political science course?

Political science delves into the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It is a social science which uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.

What is the purpose of politics research?

Political science provides analysis and predictions about political and governmental issues. Political scientists examine the processes, systems and political dynamics of countries and regions of the world, often to raise public awareness or to influence specific governments.

What are the benefits of studying political science?

Political Science equips students with an understanding of the political institutions and laws that govern all businesses function. It also sharpens students' understanding of organizational dynamics and human relations, and hones their writing, communication, and statistical skills.

What is the focus of the subject of political science?

Political science focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. We are dedicated to developing understandings of institutions, practices, and relations that constitute public life and modes of inquiry that promote citizenship.

What are the 5 concepts of political science?

The expression “political concepts” refers to a set of concepts essential to any serious reflection on political life. This set includes authority, democracy, equality, freedom, justice, power and further concepts that represent fundamental political values and principles.

Is political science a science give reasons for your answer?

Political Science is a Science [3 reasons] With the help of scientific methods like analysis, observation, experiment, etc., political science seeks to reveal the origin of the state, its functions, the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, the behavior of the citizens, etc.Oct 10, 2020

What is politics discuss the ways to understand politics?

Politics is the way that people living in groups make decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such as tribes, cities, or countries. In large groups, such as countries, some people may spend a lot of their time making such agreements.

What skills do you need to be a political scientist?

Analytical abilityInterpret data.Understand components of complex problems.See problems from a variety of perspectives.Synthesize themes from complex issues.Think "outside the box"Think internationally.Assess policy and propose options.Analyze and solve problems systematically and logically.

What are the advanced quantitative methods?

Advanced quantitative methods, including models for censoring and selection, duration and count data, multilevel models, measurement error models, nonparametric models, and the application of these ideas to research problems in political science.

What is applied econometrics?

This is a course in applied econometrics, which will intensively examine some of the data analysis methods that deal with problems occurring in the use of multiple regression analysis. It will stress computer applications and cover, as needed, data coding and data processing. Emphasis will also be placed on research design and writing research reports.

What is the logic of experimentation?

The logic of experimentation, its strengths and weaknesses compared to other methodologies, and the ways in which experimentation has been--and could be--used to investigate social phenomena. Students will learn how to interpret, design, and execute experiments.

What is a quantitative method minor?

The minor in quantitative methods is intended for political science doctoral students whose research plans call for a strong background in statistics or mathematical modeling. The minor will usually include four or more courses in statistical or formal methods taught at the graduate level.

What is Columbia Applied Statistics Center?

Its research is supported by the National Science Foundation, Institute of Education Sciences, National Security Agency, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Energy. The center runs a "playroom" in the department that normally meets two afternoons per week and serves as a forum for presenting and discussing work in progress.

What is STAT UN4330?

Computation in R. The course is jointly offered with applied regression and multilevel models (STAT UN4330), since it focuses on regression models. Registered students will be expected to have a more mathematical focus.

Module Learning Aims

In this module, students study how to conduct their own research. This module introduces the basics of statistics and is the first step in the preparation for the dissertation in PO4600 Research Seminar in Political Science and for original research work generally.

Module Content

This module explores a variety of both qualitative and quantitative social science research to develop the skills for explaining causal mechanism in political phenomena. Especially, the class focuses on the logic of scientific inference, research design and measurement.

Recommended Reading List

Manheim, J.B., R.C. Rich, L. Wilmat, C.L. Brians and J. Babb (2012) Empirical Political Analysis: An Introduction to Research Methods. Harlow: Pearson Education. ISBN: 1408204622

How many courses are required for political science?

Although the number of required courses is fixed, there is considerable leeway to choose the specific courses you take. Eleven (11) of the courses are in the Political Science Department; two (2) courses are from other disciplines. The non-Political Science courses are intended to complement the study of politics with other perspectives and to acquaint you with significant relationships that exist between politics and other societal sectors, such as the economy.

What are the requirements for a political science minor?

The Political Science minor requires a minimum of six courses within the department. One must be an introductory course (PSCI 050, 069, or 070); one must be either in political theory (PSCI 155, 203, 206, 207, 260 or 265) or research methods (PSCI 107); and four others can be in any combination of subfield areas. Two of these courses must be at the 200 level. Note that capstone seminars count as 200-level courses. An internship supervised by a Political Science faculty member and approved political science courses taken as part of a Study Abroad program may count toward the minor.

What is comparative politics?

Comparative Politics has two intertwined meanings at Clark: 1) in-depth study of politics in two or more countries outside the United States; for example, Canada, Mexico, the former Soviet Union, Vietnam, Great Britain, France, Jordan, Israel, Brazil or South Africa, and 2) systematic comparisons of important aspects of politics, such as social movements or policy-making processes, in two or more countries. Comparative Politics subfield specialists are given the opportunity to delve into politics as experienced by elites and by ordinary people in other countries. The Political Science Department offers two kinds of Comparative Politics courses: 1) courses that focus on the politics of particular countries or groups of countries, for example: Asian Politics, Chinese Politics, Middle East Politics, Russian Politics, Latin American Politics, Politics of Western Europe, and 2) courses that focus on particular puzzles, which are best explored on a trans-national basis, for example: Revolution and Political Violence, Mass Murder and Genocide under Communism, Women and Militarization, Comparative Gender Politics, Transitions to Democracy, Comparative Environmental Politics, and Globalization and Democracy.

What is the GPA for Political Science?

Juniors with a strong academic record (a 3.5 GPA in their Political Science major courses) may apply to the Honors Program, which expands research and writing skills through an in-depth systematic analysis of a topic of particular interest to the student. You can achieve honors by successfully completing the Honors Program, which involves researching, writing, and defending a senior thesis. Writing a senior honors thesis gives you the opportunity to engage in original research and to work closely with a professor on an individual basis. Honors theses have been written on a wide range of topics. You can see the titles of past honors theses at: www.clarku.edu/departments/politicalscience/research/index.cfm.

What is international relations?

International Relations (IR) is the study of nation-states and their interactions with other states. More than just the study of state-to-state relations, IR examines the role that non-state actors, such as intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations (MNCs), and individuals, play in global politics. Human rights, social movements, development, women’s rights, the environment, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, religion, gender, and economics are among the many topics encompassed in the study of international relations. To explain these complex phenomena students engage in rigorous investigations of competing theoretical and analytical traditions. By exploring diverse intellectual approaches to ongoing problems of world order and stability it becomes possible to make sense of the day-to-day politics comprising global affairs.

What is political science?

This field examines both the theory and practices of government. In the U.S., this means studying not only government at the federal level, but also at state and local levels. This field requires better learning how power functions ...

Why is political science important?

Political science attempts to bring this all together into a single field of study. However, this field of study is important because it helps answer many questions.

Why are fundamental rights important?

These rights are important because they dictate what always may be passed and what may not.

What does it mean to be active listening?

Hearing just means that you’re processing what your instructor is saying but not really comprehending it. Active listening means engaging with the material, asking questions about it in your head, and staying focused.

How to prepare for a class?

Preparation Begins at Home. One of the keys to performing well is being alert and ready for class every day. For this reason, it’s important to start preparing for your classes early. That means getting ready the day before your classes are supposed to happen.

Why is it important to take notes in class?

Effective notes taken in class will make it all that much easier for you to more easily complete your homework, which is why it’s so important to be an effective note taker.

What is a good note?

Good notes are brief and highlight only the core points that your instructor is trying to communicate. You should be able to, at a glance, summarize what your teacher was trying to say.

Module Name: Research Methods For Political Science A 2018-19

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Critically analyse existing political science and social science research on the basis of the research methods employed. 2. Specify appropriate research questions in Political Science and construct effective research design strat...

See more on tcd.ie

Module Learning Aims

Module Content

Recommended Reading List