Research Methods In Political Science

1. Explain the nature and scope of research methodology in political science.
2. Design a research project, including formulating a research question, developing hypotheses, and selecting appropriate methods.
3. Collect and analyze data using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
4. Interpret research findings and draw meaningful conclusions.
5. Apply ethical principles to research practice.
6. Write a clear and concise research report.

13 weeks, about 63 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Foundation Knowledge in Political Science Research

   • Unit 1: Nature of Political Science Research · 3 hours

     Read the introduction to understand the scope and objectives of political science research.. Define key terms like 'politics' and 'science' in the context of research.. Identify the challenges in applying scientific methods to political phenomena..

2. Week 2Module 1: Foundation Knowledge in Political Science Research

   • Unit 2: Meaning, Types and Importance of Political Science Research · 4 hours

     Define 'research' and differentiate between basic and applied research.. Identify and explain the different types of research methodologies used in political science.. Discuss the importance of research in various aspects of political science..

   • Unit 3: Philosophical Approaches in Research · 3 hours

     Compare and contrast positivism, interpretivism, and realism as philosophical approaches to research.. Discuss the implications of each approach for research design and data interpretation.. Define ontology, epistemology, and methodology, and explain their relationships..

3. Week 3Module 1: Foundation Knowledge in Political Science Research

   • Unit 4: Conceptual Foundation of a Research · 4 hours

     Define 'theory' and distinguish it from related concepts like models and paradigms.. Identify and explain the components of a theory: concepts, constructs, definitions, and propositions.. Discuss the roles of theory and models in political science research..

4. Week 4Module 1: Foundation Knowledge in Political Science Research

   • Unit 5: Relationship between Research and Theory · 3 hours

     Explain the roles of theory in inductive and deductive research approaches.. Discuss how grounded research can be applied to deductive research.. Analyze the relationship between research and theory in the context of political science..

5. Week 5Module 2: Conducting a Research Project

   • Unit 1: Choosing a Research Topic · 4 hours

     Identify and explain the different approaches to choosing a research topic.. Apply techniques for choosing research topics, such as background study and personal interest.. Evaluate a research topic for scope, clarity, and feasibility..

   • Unit 2: Writing Research Proposal · 3 hours

     Outline the key components of a research proposal: introduction, problem statement, objectives, literature review, methodology.. Explain the techniques for producing a good research proposal.. Discuss the benefits of writing a well-structured research proposal..

6. Week 6Module 2: Conducting a Research Project

   • Unit 3: Statement of Problem in Research · 4 hours

     Define 'problem statement' and explain its importance in research.. Apply criteria for formulating a good problem statement.. Discuss how to generate a research problem and refine it into a researchable question..

7. Week 7Module 2: Conducting a Research Project

   • Unit 4: Formulating and Testing Hypothesis · 5 hours

     Define 'hypothesis' and explain its role in research.. Identify the sources for generating hypotheses.. Formulate null and alternative hypotheses.. Explain the steps involved in hypothesis testing..

8. Week 8Module 3: Research Designs

   • Unit 1: Research Methods in Political Science · 4 hours

     Define 'research design' and explain its nature and role in political science research.. Identify and explain the different types of research designs: experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal, case study, comparative.. Discuss the components of a research design and their importance..

   • Unit 2: Scientific Research Method Process · 3 hours

     Explain the steps involved in the scientific research process.. Discuss the components of a scientific research process: problem identification, hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis, and reporting.. Apply the scientific method to a political science research problem..

9. Week 9Module 3: Research Designs

   • Unit 3: Conceptualisation and Operationalisation of Variables · 5 hours

     Define 'concepts' and 'variables' and explain their relevance in empirical research.. Differentiate between different types of variables: independent, dependent, intervening, etc.. Apply the principles of conceptualization and operationalization to political science research..

10. Week 10Module 3: Research Designs

    • Unit 4: Levels of Measurement and Scaling · 4 hours

      Define 'measurement' and explain its nature in research.. Identify and explain the different types of measurement scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio.. Discuss the characteristics of sound measurement: validity and reliability..

11. Week 11Module 4: Data Collection Methods

    • Unit 1: Sample and Sampling Techniques · 4 hours

      Define 'population' and 'sample' and explain their relationship in research.. Discuss the characteristics of a good sample and the factors influencing sample size.. Identify and explain the different sampling methods: probability and non-probability..

    • Unit 2: Research Instruments · 3 hours

      Define 'research instrument' and identify different types of instruments used in data collection.. Discuss the validity and reliability of research instruments.. Apply the principles of instrument design to create effective data collection tools..

12. Week 12Module 4: Data Collection Methods

    • Unit 3: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework · 4 hours

      Define 'literature review' and explain its purpose and scope in research.. Conduct a literature search and identify relevant sources for a research topic.. Discuss the importance of theoretical frameworks in research..

13. Week 13Module 4: Data Collection Methods

    • Unit 4: Ethics in Political Science Research · 3 hours

      Identify and explain the ethical principles in political science research: beneficence, veracity, privacy, confidentiality, consent.. Discuss the ethical problems that may arise in research: fraud, plagiarism, bias.. Apply practical tips for avoiding plagiarism and ensuring ethical conduct in research..