GV914-7-SP-CO:
Research Design
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2024/25
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
07 February 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
GV915
This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs and their applications in the study of politics.
In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation.
This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs and their applications in the study of politics.
In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their
M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation.
At the end of the course:
1. Students will learn how to develop and evaluate research questions on topics in the politics/social science
2. Students will be able explain the difference between a research question and a hypothesis
3. Students will be able to identify and describe the appropriate research technique(s) for answering different types of research questions
4. Students will apply the appropriate research technique to a given question and be able to justify their choice of technique
No additional information available.
Class will meet once a week for 2 hours (120 min) during the Spring term.
This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs and their applications in the study of politics.
In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation.
What we expect of you during lecture and classes:
To attend all lectures and classes after having done the required reading.
To pay attention and take notes as necessary.
To think about the readings and lectures notes before the class and be ready to discuss them: try to identify the key assumptions in the texts; map the structure of the argument; underline the conclusions. Highlight to yourself points you don’t understand. Ask yourself whether you agree with the text, whether you can identify weaknesses or gaps in the argument, and what could someone who disagrees with it argue against it.
To offer your participation as required (answering questions, asking questions etc.). Learning about and discussing these texts is a communal endeavour and it is a matter of good citizenship to contribute. Further, part of what we want you to achieve, and what we mark you for, is clear and confident oral presentation. You are expected to answer questions, raise new points, and contribute to the progression of discussion in class.
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Clark, T.
et al. (2021f)
Bryman’s social research methods. Sixth edition. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/974675.
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Knopf, J.W. (2006) ‘Doing a Literature Review’,
PS: Political Science & Politics, 39(1), pp. 127–132. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049096506060264.
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Johnson, J.B., Reynolds, H.T. and Mycoff, J.D. (2019e)
Political Science Research Methods. 9th Revised edition. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Inc. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/650865.
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Kellstedt, P.M. and Whitten, G.D. (2018a)
Fundamentals of Political Science Research. 3rd Revised edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Virtual Publishing). Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/294544.
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Adcock, R. and Collier, D. (2001) ‘Measurement Validity: A Shared Standard for Qualitative and Quantitative Research’,
American Political Science Review, 95(3), pp. 529–546. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055401003100.
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Kellstedt, P.M. and Whitten, G.D. (2018b)
Fundamentals of Political Science Research. 3rd Revised edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Virtual Publishing). Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/294544.
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King, G. (1986) ‘How Not to Lie with Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science’,
American Journal of Political Science, 30(3). Available at:
https://doi.org/10.2307/2111095.
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Bourke, B. (2014) ‘Positionality: Reflecting on the Research Process’,
The Qualitative Report [Preprint]. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1026.
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Pillow, W. (2003) ‘Confession, catharsis, or cure? Rethinking the uses of reflexivity as methodological power in qualitative research’,
International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 16(2), pp. 175–196. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1080/0951839032000060635.
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Glynos, J. and Howarth, D. (2008) ‘Critical Explanation in Social Science: A Logics Approach’, 34(1).
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Montanaro, L. (no date) ‘Discursive Exit’,
American Journal of Political Science, 63(4), pp. 875–887. Available at:
https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/doi/10.1111/ajps.12463.
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Howarth, D. and Roussos, K. (2023) ‘Radical democracy, the commons and everyday struggles during the Greek crisis’,
The British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 25(2), pp. 311–327. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/13691481211067147.
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Reade, J. (2021) ‘Keeping it raw on the ‘gram: Authenticity, relatability and digital intimacy in fitness cultures on Instagram’,
New Media & Society, 23(3), pp. 535–553. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444819891699.
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Malik, R. (2023) ‘Lesser of Two Evils: Allocating Resources to Opposition Districts in Pakistan’, 48(2). Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/lsq.12398.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Ireen Litvak-Zur, email: i.litvak-zur@essex.ac.uk.
Faten Ghosn
Module Supervisor: Ireen Litvak-Zur, i.litvak-zur@essex.ac.uk / Student Administrator Jamie Seakens govpgquery@essex.ac.uk
No
No
Yes
Dr Kyriaki Nanou
Durham University
Associate Professor in European politics
Available via Moodle
Of 6 hours, 6 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Government
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