(in Polish) Metody badań ilościowych 1600-SZD-N-MBi-BPA
Objective of the Course
The course, Quantitative Research Methods in Political Science, is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge relevant in the field, which forms an important methodological approach in the analysis of phenomena within social and political contexts. The course ensures that students are consistent in examining and interpreting quantitative data globally and comparatively by combining it with relevant sociological and political theories. With this in focus, the course will help students to become proficient in using quantitative methods for analyzing complex, global social and political problems by application of both classical and contemporary methods.
Fundamental Themes Addressed
1. Introduction to Quantitative Research in Political Science
• Scientific methods in political and social inquiry.
• Key concepts in the inquiry: variables, hypotheses, causality, and research design.
2. Data Collection and Management
• Categories of data, such as surveys, secondary data, administrative/official statistics, and big data.
• Ethical issues in data gathering and management.
3. Descriptive Statistics and Data Visualization
• Summarizing and presenting data using tables, charts, and other forms of data visualization.
• Investigating the patterns and trends within political and social phenomena.
4. Inferential Statistics
• Probability, sampling methods, and hypothesis testing.
• Methods of data interpolation and extrapolation to broader populations.
5. Regression Analysis
• Understanding relationships between variables.
• Linear, logistic, multivariate regression as tools for political analysis.
6. Quantitative Topics in Political Science
• Exploring such themes as voting behavior, public opinion, and policy evaluation using quantitative methods.
7. Structuralist and Institutionalist Ties
• Linking quantitative analysis to theoretical frameworks, including structuralist and institutionalist approaches.
8. Working with Statistical Software
• Hands-on training with statistical software, e.g., SPSS, Stata, or R.
9. Interpretation of the Results and Scientific Communication
• Writing clear, evidence-based reports and presenting findings effectively.
By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge, skills, and tools to critically evaluate empirical research, conduct their own quantitative studies, and apply sociological and political theories to explain political and social phenomena.
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Term 2024L:
Objective of the Course By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge, skills, and tools to critically evaluate empirical research, conduct their own quantitative studies, and apply sociological and political theories to explain political and social phenomena. |
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: Knows and understands:
WG_3 - methodology of scientific research
Skills: Can:
UO_1 – plan and carry out individual and team research or creative projects, also in an international environment
Social competences: Is ready to:
KK_3 – recognise the importance of science in solving cognitive and practical problems
Assessment criteria
Participation (10%)
Active engagement in class discussions and activities is expected.
Assignments (30%)
Students will complete two practical assignments that demonstrate their ability to apply quantitative methods to a real-world dataset. This will include analysis of existing datasets, using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, or R), and interpretation of results.
Final Project (60%)
The final project will involve an application of quantitative methods to address a specific research question.
Bibliography
Islam, M. R., Khan, N. A., & Baikady, R. (Eds.). (2022). Principles of social research methodology. Springer.
Mukherjee, S. P., Sinha, B. K., & Chattopadhyay, A. K. (2018). Statistical methods in social science research. Springer.
Stockemer, D. (2019). Quantitative methods for the social sciences: A practical introduction with examples in SPSS and Stata. Springer.
Stockemer, D. (2023). Quantitative methods for the social sciences: A practical introduction with examples in R. Springer.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: