Universität Wien

210107 UE M2: Methods of Political Science (2012S)

8.00 ECTS (4.00 SWS), SPL 21 - Politikwissenschaft
Continuous assessment of course work

Monday 9.45-13.00 in Lecture room 1 (A212), 2nd floor, NIG until 7.5 (including)
Monday 9.30-12.30 in Computer room B, Ground floor, NIG
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 40 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 19.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 26.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 16.04. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 23.04. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 30.04. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 07.05. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 14.05. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 21.05. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 04.06. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 11.06. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 18.06. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock
  • Monday 25.06. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal 1 (H1), NIG 2.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Quantitative Research Designs provides an overview on social science methodology. In the first part of the course the participants will be introduced to causality, research questions, hypotheses, dependent and independent variables, validity and reliability and case selection. In the second part of the course the participants will be introduced to a series of Quantitative methods, indicating how the choice of which method to use is governed by certain logic inherent in the rationale of the research and the methodology employed.

Assessment and permitted materials

The course is assessed by four components:

1. A short description of your research question, including an actual formulation and a short argument for why this is important. The description must be maximum 300 words and should be handed via email to martin.hansen@univie.ac.at by 16.4.2012 12.00 (Central European Time). If you do not hand in the short description you will not be allowed to hand in paper 1 and 2. You will get feedback on your work. There is no mark associated with this, but it is a necessity to continue in the course.

2. A paper of max. 10 pages presenting the research question, hypotheses and thoughts about the dependent and independent variables as well as discussing validity and reliability. The paper should take its focus on the Master's thesis which the participant is either working on or will start work on, or on a theme of interest to the participant. The paper counts for 40 per cent of the final mark. The paper must be handed in via email to martin.hansen@univie.ac.at by 31.5.2012 12.00 (Central European Time).

3. A paper of max. 10 pages building on paper 1 and using one of the presented methods including one interview to develop the variables test the hypotheses and answer the research question. The paper counts for 40 per cent of the final mark. The paper must be handed in via email to zoltan.fazekas@univie.ac.at by 31 July 2012 12.00 (Central European Time).

4. Regular and active participation in the class is required and it counts for 20 per cent of the final mark. Participants who miss more than two classes will not receive a mark for the course.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The aim of the course is to make the participants familiar with research design and Quantitative methods commonly used to collect and analyse empirical data, such as document analysis and interviews. The course will provide the participants with enough information on each topic to be able to perform their own analysis as well as providing a base for further research and independent study.

Examination topics

The didactic goal of the course is to make the participants able to use the presented research designs and methods actively. Thus, the lecturer will act as a discussion leader and supply the necessary theoretical input. It is expected that the students participate actively in the course by discussions in both the plenary and smaller groups.

Reading list

All material will be available on Moodle

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:38