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Introduction: Research Methods in Political Science May 12 , 2008

Introduction: Research Methods in Political Science May 12 , 2008 Ivan Katchanovski , Ph.D. POL 242Y-Y Introduction to Research Methods Course Introduction to research methods in political science The goal is to learn basic concepts and tools of political analysis Emphasis

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Introduction: Research Methods in Political Science May 12 , 2008

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  1. Introduction: Research Methods in Political ScienceMay 12 , 2008 Ivan Katchanovski, Ph.D. POL 242Y-Y

  2. Introduction to Research MethodsCourse • Introduction to research methods in political science • The goal is to learn basic concepts and tools of political analysis • Emphasis • Quantitative methods • Practical application of statistical research methods • Interpretation of statistical results from a political science perspective • Learning how to use SPSS for data analysis

  3. Texts • Required: • Philip H. Pollock III. The Essentials of Political Analysis, 2 edition, CQ Press, 2005 • Philip H. Pollock III. An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis, 2 edition, CQ Press, 2006 • Includes CD with datasets • Recommended: • Earl R. Babbie, The Practice of Social Research, 11th Edition Wadsworth, 2007 • Chapters listed in the syllabus are required • On course reserve

  4. Format and Grades • Format : • Lectures • Computer labs • Grades: • Lab exercises (8) 30% • Midterm test 20% • Final test (take home) 20% • Research paper (5-10pages) 20% • Class participation 10% • Penalties: • 2% penalties per day of lateness reduction in marks for lab assignment • 5% penalties per day of lateness reduction in marks for paper

  5. SPSS • SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences • Originally developed at Stanford University in 1968 • By an American political scientist (Norman Nie) • By a Canadian academic (Dale Bent) • By a Stanford MBA (C. Hadlai Hull) • SPSS 15 version available at FE 36 • SPSS 16 for U of T students version • $55plus taxes and CD • Available at Information Commons Licensed Software Office, Robarts Library, 1st Floor • Not the same as more limited SPSS student version • SPSS 16: CAD$3,957 plus taxes

  6. Computer and Quantitative Research Methods First digital computer: Abacus Human computer: one who computes

  7. Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) • Invented and built in 1937-1942 • Speed up solutions of mathematical and statistical problems • by students • No patent • US District Court in 1973 • Recognized John Atanasoff as the inventor of the electronic digital computer • Annulled ENIAC Computer patents • Eyesteelfilm (Montreal) documentary on the ABC: • Atanasoff: The Secret History Of the Electronic Computer (In development)

  8. Unscientific Point of View of Politics: Problem of Personal Bias

  9. Foundations of Political Science • Foundations of political science: • Scientific logic • Empirical observation • Freedom from personal value judgments • What is vs. what ought to be • Major aspects of political science research: • Theory • Data collection • Data analysis

  10. Research Methods Quantitative Qualitative Qualitative Data Nonnumerical data Case study Archival research Comparative study with small number of cases • Quantitative Data • Numerical data • Statistical • Survey • Comparative study with large number of cases

  11. Paradigms and Theories in Political Science • Paradigm: A systematic theoretical and methodological framework • Behavioralist • Rational choice • Postmodernist • Theory: a set of interrelated statements intended to explain some aspect of political • Can be empirically evaluated

  12. Ethics of Political Science Research • Voluntary participation in surveys or interviews • Anonymity of survey respondents • Approval of certain research projects from Institutional Review Boards • Falsification of data • Falsification of results • Plagiarism • Ethics of co-authorship • Academic integrity vs. commercial, political, and personal interests

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