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 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) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Devise hypotheses concerning political behavior and plan appropriate and ethical research designs to evaluate. CSLO #2: Interpret data using inferential statistics. CSLO #3: Demonstrate and explain results of data collection and analysis. CSLO #4: Evaluate and synthesize published peer-reviewed research. Effective Term Fall 2024 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 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. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Social Sciences CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - D Social Sciences CSUGE - D8 Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 4 Soc./Behav Sciences IGETC - 4H Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: On the discussion board, students will be required to post responses to questions about measuring qualitative variables. Essay Examinations Example: Write an essay on ethical issues and research design. Objective Examinations Example: Midterm consisting of 100 multiple choice questions covering the first half of the material. Example: Dependent variables: a) are what we want to explain; b) cause the thing we are studying; c) may not have a negative value; or, d) may not have a positive value. Problem Solving Examinations Example: Students are given data and told to perform regression and to present results with implications for research hypotheses provided in the problem. Projects Example: Students will be told to develop a proposed research design to explain a particular political outcome (e.g., voting turnout). Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor summarizes problems with operationalization while students take notes and ask and answer questions. Distance Learning Instructor provides quantitative data and instructions for a sorting exercise which students are to undertake after they read the text and watch the lecture. Students will use the discussion board to present their conclusions. The instructor will provide students afterward with constructive feedback. Typical Out of Class Assignments 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. Required Materials Political Science Research Methods Author: Johnson & Reynolds Publisher: CQ Press Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 9th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Essentials of Political Analysis Author: Philip Pollock Publisher: CQPress Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: The Basics of Social Research Author: Earl Babbie Publisher: Cengage Publication Date: 2016 Text Edition: 7th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Empirical Political Analysis Author: Rich, Brians, et al Publisher: Pearson Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: 8th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis Author: Philip Pollock Publisher: CQPress Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: 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...
