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.

Course Materials

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

Grading

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.

Class Schedule

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)