Time Schedule:
Anthony J Gill
POL S 500
Seattle Campus
Major quantitative methods of empirical research in political science. Primary emphasis on research design, data collection, data analysis, and use of computers.
Class description
Description: This course addresses issues of research design and empirical analysis in political science. Topics will include attention to the pragmatic aspects of design (e.g., case selection, sampling), the fundamentals of data analysis, and the logic of statistical inference. This is a “hands on” course aimed at enhancing student ability to design and conduct empirical research. Students will be required to draft a research proposal by the end of the quarter and are encouraged to have a substantive topic of investigation in mind before starting the class.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Texts: Texts include Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, Research Methods in Social Science (Fifth edition); King, Keohane and Verba, Designing Social Inquiry; Locke, Spirduso and Silverman, Proposals That Work; and a supplementary packet of photocopied readings. Students are encouraged, but not required, to purchase Vogts Dictionary of Statistics and Methodology.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: A set of analytic exercises, a mid-term, and a final exam.
Grading: Exams: 65%; Project/presentation: 15%; Other: 20%.
