"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 and interpretive research, and exploring the philosophical basis of social science research, this course helps students assess existing studies, identify their own research questions, develop arguments, and formulate strategies to conduct research. The course also contains workshops on practical aspects of research practice. This course is suitable for postgraduate students in political science, public policy, and international relations.

Notes:

1. This course is offered as part of the Postgraduate Training in Politics and Policy (PTPP) Program jointly organized by the Crawford School of Economics and Government (CAP) and the School of Politics and International Relations (CASS). The program, however, is open to any postgraduate student in the social sciences.

2. This course mainly covers principles of research design in the social sciences. Students are strongly encouraged to read additional materials and/or to take other courses, such as Research Methods offered in CASS, to learn specific quantitative and qualitative methods.

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. consider a variety of approaches to research in social sciences;

• 5. understand the importance of ethics in research and the ethical review process at ANU;

• 6. develop, refine and present a research proposal for their own original research.

50% Short notes, including a literature review (Learning outcomes 1 - 5).

50% Research proposal (Learning outcomes 1 - 6)

- 5 days of intensive lectures during the semester (5 hours x 6 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

There is no pre/co-requisite course. If you are a Master degree student who intends to undertake major research, you are encouraged to take POGO8096 (Research Methods) in Semester 1 and POGO8135 (Research Project) in Semester 2.

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

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

To be distributed.

Delivery mode:

On Campus.  5 days of intensive lectures. All lecture notes (PowerPoint slides) and audio recordings will be uploaded to Wattle after each lecture.

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