This research seminar will focus upon the issues of definition, measurement, research design, data generation, data analysis, interpretation, and technical writing. It is an intensive course--it will require maximum energy and commitment from the student.
The items listed below should be purchased by the student:
Asimov, I. Foundation
Strunk and White The Elements of Style
Extensive reference will be made to the following:
Blalock, H. Social Statistics
Campbell and Stanley Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Research
Kerlinger, F. Foundations of Behavioral Research
Miller, D. Handbook of Research Design and Social Measurement
The final grade will be computed on the following basis:
Test I 10%
Test II (Final) 20%
Exercises 50%
Research Proposal 20%
Note: All exercises and assignments must be completed satisfactorily to pass the courses.
Week 1
Introduction to Course
Origins of Empiricism Exercise
Week 2
Philosophical Issues
Rule Breaker Exercise #1
Week 3
Conceptual Frameworks and Interpretation
Rule Breaker Exercise #2
Week 4
Definition and Operationalization
Hays Twenty Questions Exercise
Political Science Journals Assignment
Week 5
Measurement and Data
Library Resource Exercise
Week 6
Descriptive Statistics
Statistical Package Exercise
SimCity Exercise
Week 7
Research Design 1
Test I
Week 8
Research Design 2
Week 9
Probability and Inductive Statistics
INS Training
Week 10
Hostility/Friendship in Bilateral Relations Exercise
INS Training
Week 11
INS Debriefing
Week 12
Semantic Differential Exercise
Week 13
Research Design Pre-Test Exercise
Week 14
Review
Week 15
Review
Test II (Final)