Undergraduate Modules: POL229 - Political Analysis: Research Design and Data Analysis

Level: 2
Credits: 20

Description

This module will familiarise students with a range of approaches and methods used in the study of contemporary political phenomena. It considers how we acquire knowledge about political ideas, institutions and practices. It concentrates on an understanding empirical political research, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Particular attention is paid to the collection, analysis and utilisation of quantitative data, and to the role played by numerical and statistical claims in contemporary political argument.

Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of approaches and methods employed in the study of politics.
demonstrate the ability to interpret and to employ descriptive statistics, indicators, questionnaires and other quantitative data used in contemporary political argument and analysis, and to understand the relevance of more complex statistical methods for political studies.
demonstrate an understanding of the stages involved in the research process from specifying a research question to analysing empirical evidence.
demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between theory and data for political research.
demonstrate that they are capable of working effectively in groups.
demonstrate intellectual and practical skills, including understanding complex concepts and theories, working with numerical data, exercising critical judgement, utilising primary and secondary sources, contributing to an oral presentation and deepening the capacity for independent learning.
demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including development of relevant study and research skills of locating, using and presenting quantitative data, library and electronic resources.

Assessment

40 percent group assignment;
60 percent quantitative methods assignment.