Universität Wien
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400010 SE Introduction to research design from a quantitative perspective (2023W)

Methods seminar

Continuous assessment of course work
ON-SITE

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. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 04.10. 09:00 - 12:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 11.10. 09:00 - 12:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 18.10. 09:00 - 12:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 08.11. 09:00 - 12:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 22.11. 09:00 - 12:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 29.11. 09:00 - 12:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The seminar focuses on introductory aspects with regards to a PhD research design in the social sciences. We deal with the following questions: which research paradigms exit in social sciences and which implications do they have on researchers' research designs? Which elements should be included in a PhD research proposal in the social sciences? How to find a 'good' (overarching) research question? How to embed the research question theoretically? How to conceptualize theoretical mechanism and derive hypotheses from there? Which methodological approaches can tackle the research questions best? The aim is to develop a first draft of a PhD research proposal. Students will have the possibility to present parts of their PhD research proposal.

Assessment and permitted materials

The seminar focuses on various questions with regards to a PhD research design in the social sciences. We deal with the following questions: which elements should be included in a PhD research proposal in the social sciences? How to find a ‘good’ (overarching) research question? How to embed the research question theoretically? Furthermore, we preliminary deal with measuring concepts in the social sciences and causal inference. By doing so, PhD students should be able to find the best methodological approach to tackle their research question. The aim is to develop a first draft of a PhD research proposal. Students will have ample opportunities to present parts of their PhD research proposal.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

• Written Research Proposal at the end of the seminar (40%)
• Presentations on the PhD proposal during classes and acting as discussant on other students' PhD proposal (30%)
• Presentations of readings during classes (5-10 minutes each), and developing discussion points for the following class discussions (20%)
• Attendance and active collaboration in class discussions (10%)
Please note: In order to complete the seminar with a positive grade students have to pass all seminar parts with a positive assessment.

Examination topics

tba

Reading list

Inter alia:
• Marsh, D. and G. Stoker (2002) Theory and Methods in Political Science, Chapter 1 (pp. 17-41).
• King, G., R. Keohane and S. Verba (1994) Designing Social Inquiry, Chapter 1 (pp. 3-33).
• Morris, P.F. (1975) ‘Formal Models in Political Science’, American Journal of Political Science 19/1: 133-159.
• Gerring, J. (1999) ‘What Makes a Concept Good? A Critical Framework for Understanding Concept Formation in the Social Sciences’, Polity 31/3: 357-393.
• Mahoney, J. and G. Goertz (2006) ‘A Tale of Two Cultures: Contrasting Quantitative and Qualitative Research’, Political Analysis 14/3: 227-249.
• Gerring, J. (2004) ‘What is a Case Study and What is it Good for?’, American Political Science Review 98/2: 341-354.


Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 01.09.2023 15:48