POS 3936: Research Methods in Political Science
INTRODUCTION
This course is an introduction to research design and methodology in Political Science. More specifically, it
covers the scientific approach to the study of politics. Several aspects of the scientific approach will be
examined including scientific explanation and the assumptions of science, the role of theory and the
formulation and testing of hypotheses, operationalism, observation, reliability and validity, techniques of
data collection, data management, and data analysis using inferential and descriptive statistics and
computers.
BOOKS
Two books are required for the course:
Michael Le Roy and Michael Corbett, Research Methods in Political Science: An Introduction Using
MicroCase. 6th edition. You must purchase this book.
Kenneth Hoover and Todd Donovan, Elements of Scientific Thinking, 8th edition.
WORKLOAD AND ASSESSMENT
Your final grade will be based on your performance on the mid-term, computer exercises, a research paper,
and the final exam. Each item of assessment counts as follows toward the final grade:
Mid-term test
Computer Exercises
Research Paper
Final exam
30%
15%
25%
30%
Mid-term test: The date of the mid-term will be announced in class
Computer Exercises: The computer exercises will be drawn from Michael Le Roy and Michael Corbett,
Research Methods in Political Science, 6th edition. Specific assignments will be made in class and the
assignments will be completed during class time. You must purchase this book.
Research Paper. For your research paper, you must examine a hypothesis, using one of the data sets that
are included in MicroCase. Appendix A in Research Methods in Political Science contains several
hypotheses that may be explored using the data sets. You may choose one of these hypotheses for your
research paper or you may select your own hypothesis.
Your paper should conform to the following format:
Part 1: Identify your research topic and discuss your hypothesis
Part 2: Data Analysis. In this part you must discuss the data used in examining your
hypothesis. You must also state how the key concepts in the hypothesis were
operationalized. Finally, you must present the findings that show if the hypothesis is
confirmed or disconfirmed. Statistical analysis must be performed in this part.
Part 3: Conclusion and summary. In this part you should summarize your paper and
interpret your findings.
Chapter 14 in Research Methods in Political Science offers useful suggestions for writing your research
paper.
Your research paper should be between four and seven pages in length. It must be handed in no later than
April 13, 2006.
Final Exam: The final exam will be held on April 27, 2006, during class time. It will cover topics
discussed after the mid-term test.
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You must take the mid-term and the final exam on the days that they are scheduled. Make-ups for the midterm will only be given for valid medical reasons; a verifiable doctor's certificate must be presented. Failure
to take either the mid-term and/or the final will result in a grade of zero in each instance.
“In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students who require special
accommodations due to a disability to properly execute coursework must register with the Office for
Students with Disabilities (OSD) located in Boca, SU 133, (561) 297-3880, in Davie, MD I (954) 236-1222,
or in Jupiter, Office of Diversity Services, SR 117 (561) 799-8585, and follow all OSD procedures.”
TOPICS AND READINGS
I.
Introduction and Theory, Concepts, and Hypotheses
Readings: Le Roy and Corbett, chap. 1, 2, 4, and 5; Hoover and Donovan, chaps. 1 and 2
Exercises: Le Roy and Corbett, selected exercises
II.
Measurement and Data Collection Techniques
Readings: Le Roy and Corbett, chaps. 3 and 6; Hoover and Donovan, chap. 4
Exercises: Le Roy and Corbett, selected exercises
III.
Data Analysis
Readings: Le Roy and Corbett, chaps. 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13; Hoover and Donovan, chaps. 5 and 6
Exercises: Le Roy and Corbett Roy, selected exercises.
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