Introduction to Research Methods
Fall 2008 Syllabus
Course: CJ/IR/POLI 340/340L Instructor: Mark Thorum
Class time: TU/TH: 1:10-4:10 pmOffice: West 223
Class Room: Trexler 166E-mail:
Tel: (540) 588-6803
Office Hours: TU/TH 12:00-1:00 pm
“The strongest arguments prove nothing so long as the conclusions are not verified by experience. Experimental science is the queen of sciences and the goal of all speculation.”
(Roger Bacon)
“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?”
(Albert Einstein)
Course Description:
This course introduces students to all phases of political science research from the conceptualization of the research question to the interpretation of the results. We will begin with the question of why and how we conduct political research and briefly review the use of scientific method. Next, we will examine issues that are keyto empirical research including research design, causation, and data collection. Along the way, we will review several research designs and discuss the merits of each. Students will be introduced to SPSS for Windows and learn how to conduct basic statistical analysis in order to test hypotheses.
Course Objectives:
The course’s objectives are threefold: 1.) to help students become more thoughtful and critical consumers of political science literature; 2) to introduce students to research concepts and tools with which they can pursue their future research interests; and 3.) to provide students with actual experience in data analysis utilizing SPSS for Windows.
Required Texts:
Empirical Political Analysis, Manheim, Rich, Willnat, Brians; Pearson Longman, 7th ed.
An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis, Pollock; CQ Press, 3rd ed.
Additional assigned readings will be posted on Blackboard.
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Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to follow the standards of the RoanokeCollegeacademic integrity policy. Please refer to the Roanoke College Handbookfor further information.
Classroom Participation and Attendance:
Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. A maximum of two excused absences is permitted. Additional unexcused absences will result in a one-point deduction from your average at the end of the semester. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings set forth each week during the specified week and to contribute constructively to the class discussion.
Electronic Devices:
Cell phones and pagers must be turned off prior to entering the classroom or lab.
The use of any electronic device during a quiz or exam is strictly prohibited. This includes PalmPilots, Pocket PCs, and Blackberrys. Any use of such devices during a quiz or exam will be considered a breach of academic integrity. Basic handheld calculators may be used on certain quizzes and exams only when announced by the instructor.Please be advised that electronic devices such as laptops, MP3 players, and cell phones must be turned off during the seminar.
Special Academic Needs:
If you are on record with the College’s Special Services as having special academic or physical needs requiring accommodations, please discuss this with me as soon as possible. We need to discuss your accommodations before they can be implemented. Also, please note that arrangements for extended times on exams and testing in a semi-private setting must be made at least one week before the exams. If you believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted Special Services, contact the Center for Learning & Teaching (x2248).
The WritingCenter:
The WritingCenter @ Roanoke College, located on the lower level of Fintel Library, is a place where writers working in any academic discipline, at any level of competence, at any stage of the writing process meet with trained peer writing tutors in informal, one-on-one tutoring sessions focused on writing. Tutoring is free! The WritingCenter is open Sunday through Thursday from 3 to 9 pm starting Sunday, September 9th. You may simply stop in, or schedule an appointment ahead of time by going to MyRC: Academics and looking for the Tutoring Schedule link. Questions? Email the WritingCenter at or call 375-4949.
Course Requirements:
Assignments (20 % of final grade)
During the semester, students will be asked to complete six short assignments consisting of four lab assignments and two article critiques. Critiques are to be 2-3 typed pages in length, double spaced. Assignments will be made at least one class period in advance of their due date and posted on Blackboard.
Exams (40 % of final grade)
There will be two exams based on classroom material and readings. Exams are open-book, open-note, but will require prior preparation. They focus on applications of the concepts you will learn in the course. Make-ups are given only with prior approval from the instructor. Each exam comprises 20% of your grade. The final exam is NOT comprehensive, but please bear in mind that this course builds upon material previously learned.
Research Design (20% of final grade)
Each student will be asked to focus on a particular issue of interest and to prepare a research design.Your design may utilize qualitative or quantitative research technique(s). Research designs will be due on November 4th . Students will be asked to submit a draft version one week prior to the final deadline. Additional details will be provided later in the course.
Data Analysis Paper (20% of final grade)
Students will prepare a data analysis paper utilizing a data set of your choosing. The paper will be due on December 2nd. Additional details will be given later in the course.
Grading:
Assigned Exercises20 percent
Mid Term Exam20 percent
Final Exam20 percent
Research Design20 percent
Data Analysis Paper20 percent
Assignments submitted after the due date will be subject to a one point penalty per day.
Any assignment submitted more than one week late will no longer be accepted and a zero grade will be assigned.
LECTURE TOPICS AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Topics for specific dates are subject to change depending upon how quickly or slowly we move through the material.
Aug. 28 Topic:Introduction to Political Inquiry and Scientific Method
Readings: Manheim, Ch. 1
King, Keohane, &Verba, Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research, ch 1 (on blackboard)
Sept. 2Topic: Theory Construction and Testing/Causation
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 2
Lab work:Introduction to SPSS; Pollock, Ch. 1
Sept. 4Topic: Data Basics
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 13-14
Lab work: See hand out
Sept. 9Topic: Measurement of Variables
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 5
Sept. 11Topic: Describing and Graphing Data; Univariate Statistics
Reading: Manheim Ch. 15-16
Lab work: Pollock, Ch. 2
Sept.16 Topic:Research Basics; Meeting with research librarian
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 3-4
Sept.18Topic: Manipulating Data, Indexes
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 9
Lab work:Pollock, Ch. 4
Sept. 23Topic:Research Design
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 6
Marshall & Rossman, Designing Qualitative Research, pp51-75
(on Blackboard)
Sept. 25Topic: Crosstabs, Comparisons
Lab work:Pollock, Ch. 3
Sept. 30Topic: Survey Research
Reading:Manheim, Ch. 7-8
Bischoping & Schuman, “Pens and Polls in Nicaragua: An Analysis of the 1990 Pre-Election Surveys,” American Journal of Political Science36 (May 1992): (on Blackboard)
Oct.2Topic: Controlled Comparisons, Crosstabs Contd.
Lab work:Pollock, Ch. 5
Oct. 9Midterm Exam
Oct. 21Topic: Other Quantitative Methods
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 10-12
Oct. 23Topic: Measures of Association
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 17
Lab work: Pollock, Ch. 7
Oct. 28 Topic: Qualitative Methods and Observation
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 19
Deadline: Preliminary draft of Research Design due
Oct. 30 Topic: Qualitative Methods; Interviewing and Focus Groups
Reading:Manheim, Ch. 20-21
Berry, “Validity and Reliability Issues in Elite Interviewing” (on Blackboard)
Nov. 4 Topic: Inferential Statistics
Lab work: Pollock, Ch. 6
Deadline: Research Design due
Nov. 6Topic: Multivariate Analysis
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 18
Lab work:Pollock, Ch. 8
Nov. 11 Topic:Report Writing
Reading: Manheim, Ch. 22
Nov. 18Topic: Dummy Variables
Lab work: Pollock, Ch. 9
Nov. 20Topic:Review session
Dec 2Topic:Review session
Deadline: Data Analysis due
Dec 8Final exam 2-5 pm
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