"If you could learn only one thing in graduate school, it should be how to do scholarly research" (Gary King, Harvard University). By teaching the fundamental logic and process of empirical research, and by giving some essential methodological tools in both quantitative and qualitative research, this course helps students assess existing studies, identify their own research questions, develop arguments, and formulate strategies to conduct research. This course is suitable for graduate students in political science, public policy, international relations, and sociology.

Note: This course can only introduce research methodology in empirical research. Students are strongly encouraged to read additional materials and/or to take other courses. In particular, students taking this course should not expect that they can master statistical methods and software by taking this course. Those who intend to use statistics should take, at least, one additional course on statistics or econometrics offered elsewhere. This course also introduces, but does not fully cover, approaches to interpretative research.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• 1. formulate their own research question and to choose a proper research design that could examine the question;
• 2. assess conditions under which one can properly apply tools of measurement and systematic ways to make inferences and interpret data
• 3. undertake critical evaluations of methodological issues and problems in existing empirical research;
• 4. demonstrate a basic knowledge of commonly used methodological tools in empirical research, including surveys, interviews, content analysis, case selection and comparison, and basic statistical methods;
• 5. consider a variety of approaches to research in social sciences;
• 6. understand the importance of ethics in research and the ethical review process at ANU;
• 7. develop, refine and present a research proposal for their own original research.

25% Short notes (Learning outcomes #1 - #6).

25% In-class test (Learning outcomes #1 - #5).

50% Research proposal (Learning outcomes #1 - #7)

-         Weekly lectures (2.5 hours x 13 weeks)

-         Academic and research skills workshops (1.5 hours x 5 sessions)

-         Discussion and presentation sessions (1.5 hours x 6 sessions)

-         3-5 hours per week for reading and preparation outside of contact hours to complete the course

Students who have already taken a similar research method course elsewhere.

Shively, W. Phillips. 2009. The Craft of Political Research. Seventh Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Delivery mode:

On Campus.  Weekly lectures. All lecture notes (PowerPoint slides) and audio recordings will be uploaded to WebCT after each lecture.

In addition, students are required to attend academic and research skills workshops, group discussion sessions, and end-of-semester presentation sessions.