SPS501 Methodology in Social Sciences

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Course Code Course Title Weekly Hours* ECTS Weekly Class Schedule
T P
SPS501 Methodology in Social Sciences 2 1 6
Prerequisite None It is a prerequisite to

None

Lecturer Aliaksandr Novikau Office Hours / Room / Phone
Tuesday:
13:00-16:00
Wednesday:
12:00-14:00
B F1.31 - 033 957 412
E-mail anovikau@ius.edu.ba
Assistant Assistant E-mail
Course Objectives This course is designed to introduce the “scientific thinking” and the main components of social science research design and analysis. The main objective of this course is to teach how to do research by focusing on the various steps a researcher must take in order to have a sound research design. Related to this, the major goal of this course is to provide a working knowledge of how to read, interpret, critique, do, and present social science research. To achieve this goal, we examine not only the aspects of sound design but also methods for collecting and analyzing data both qualitatively and quantitatively. Our focus on research design will allow us to explore how our research question drives our choice of method rather than our method driving our research question.
Textbook TBA
Additional Literature
  • TBA
Learning Outcomes After successful  completion of the course, the student will be able to:
  1. Analyzing and Compare/contrast different theoretical approaches or models of methodological theory, research methods, and design.
  2. Discuss and demonstrate understanding of the embeddedness of research methods and methodology within the historic, institutional and evolutionary contexts.
  3. Analyze the ambiguities and complexities of qualitative methodology, but also the analytical clarity simplifications that help us understand aspects of method and analyzes.
  4. Evaluate the theoretical implications of research on political sciences and International Relations and design to the implications for specific kinds of social/political/cultural/ issues and concerns.
Teaching Methods TBA
Teaching Method Delivery Face-to-face Teaching Method Delivery Notes
WEEK TOPIC REFERENCE
Week 1 Introduction None
Week 2 Ontology and epistemology. Scientific knowledge. Hay, Furlong-Marsh, JRM 2, Sandberg
Week 3 Research process. Research topic. Statement of the problem. Research problem. Research questions. JRM 3, KKV 1-2m Mearsheimer & Walt, Gerring 2–3
Week 4 Concepts and conceptualization. Gallie, Gerring, 1 Gerring 2, Sartori, Oppenheim
Week 5 Hypotheses, variables and inference. Validity. Correlation. Ecological inference. JRM 4, McDermott, Robinson, King, Kvale
Week 6 Operationalization. Measurement. Indexes, Scales, and Typologies. Gerring 7, Shively 4–5, Neuman
Week 7 Sampling. JRM 5, Shively , KKV 4
Week 8 Midterm exam. All above
Week 9 Causal relationships. Experimental research designs KKV 3, Goertz, JRM 6, Shively, Campbell, Shadish 1-2
Week 10 Observational research designs. JRM7, Gerring, Przewski, Tarrow, Hopkin
Week 11 Data collection. JRM 10, Rea 1, Fowler 6, Sovacool, Peek, Khirfan, Stockemer
Week 12 Descriptive statistics. JRM 11, Shively 8-9
Week 13 Interferential statistics. JRM 12–14, Shively 10
Week 14 New Year. No class. None
Week 15 Students presentations. Conclusion. JRM 15
Assessment Methods and Criteria Evaluation Tool Quantity Weight Alignment with LOs
Team Project 1 30 1,2,3, and 4
Semester Evaluation Components
Participation 1 20 2,3,and 4
Facilitation 1 10 2, 3, and 4
Midterm exam 1 20 2,3, and 4
Quizzes 1 20 1,2,3, and 4
***     ECTS Credit Calculation     ***
 Activity Hours Weeks Student Workload Hours Activity Hours Weeks Student Workload Hours
Lecture Hours 3 14 42 Home Study 2 14 28
Presentation 3 7 21 Midterm Exam study 3 6 18
Research Proposal 3 3 9 Final Exam Study 4 8 32
        Total Workload Hours = 150
*T= Teaching, P= Practice ECTS Credit = 6
Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey Last Update Date: 18/12/2023
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