Introduction to Political Science Methods
POSC 498
M-F
Room PSYC 257
Class Overview: This class will introduce students to the basic statistical and methodological techniques political scientists use to form and test hypotheses. Students will participate in real-world research projects and help collect and analyze data. The class will offer an introductory understanding of model building, descriptive statistics and regression analysis.
Required Text:
The Essentials of Political Analysis (2nd Ed) by Philip Pollock
Graded Assignments:
Literature Review------------25pts
Causal Model-----------------25pts
Data Collection---------------25pts
Data Analysis-----------------25pts
Midterm-----------------------50pts
Final Paper--------------------50pts
Final---------------------------50pts
90% or higher = A, 89%-80% = B, 79%-70% = C, 69%-60% = D, 59% and lower = F
Weekly Syllabus (Subject to change):
|
Week # |
Topics |
|
|
1 |
The Scientific Method Causal Models and Operationalizing Data |
Pollock Chapter 1 |
|
2 |
The Different Types of Variables The Structure of a Peer Reviewed Journal Article |
Pollock Chapter 2 and 4 |
|
3 |
Literature Reviews Planning the Class Project |
Pollock Chapter 3 and 5 |
|
4 |
Descriptive Statistics |
None |
|
5 |
Linear Models |
Pollock Chapter 7 |
|
6 |
Tests of Significance and Power |
|
|
7 |
Class Project |
|
|
8 |
Class Project |
|
|
9 |
Class Project |
|
The Data Set You Will Need for this Class