POLS 0017. Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of MATH 13 with grade of "C" or better; completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in any POLS course
Hours: 54 lecture
Surveys research methods employed in political science. Introduces research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, collection, interpretation, and reporting of research data, and the ethics of research. (C-ID POLS 160) (CSU, UC)
POLS 0017 - Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pols-0017/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Completion of MATH 13 with grade of "C" or better; completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in any POLS course Hours: 54 lecture Description: Surveys research methods employed in political science. Introduces research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, collection, interpretation, and reporting of research data, and the ethics of research. (C-ID POLS 160) (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Devise hypotheses concerning political behavior and plan appropriate and ethical research designs to evaluate. Interpret data using inferential statistics. Demonstrate and explain results of data collection and analysis. Evaluate and synthesize published peer-reviewed research. Course Content Outline 1. History and development of the empirical study of politics 2. The scientific method 3. Theories, hypotheses, variables, and units 4. Conceptualization, operationalization and measurement of political concepts 5. Elements of research design including the logic of sampling 6. Qualitative research methods and means of analysis 7. Quantitative research methods and means of analysis 8. Research ethics Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method. 2. Explain the relationship between theory and research. 3. Describe general research designs, experimental and non-experimental methods, and standard research practices. 4. Select and defend research designs and data collection procedures appropriate to test hypotheses. 5. Critically evaluate reports of research findings, assess the generalizability of research results, and synthesize a body of research findings. 6. Explain the ethical treatment of participants in research and the institutional requirements for conducting research. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Read the assigned textbook chapter on the development of the empirical study of politics and prepare to offer examples in class. 2. Read the APSA journal article on typical problems with research designs and consider solutions. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Thirty-question objective exam on qualitative research. 2. Term paper comparing two different research designs employed by published authors. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Discussion of ethical questions that particular research designs raise on the Discussion Board. 2. Quantitative data handling exercise employing appropriate software. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...120 POLS 0016 POLS 130 POLS 0002 POLS 140 POLS 0003 POLS 160 POLS 0017...
