Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2023 - 2024
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Description This module will introduce students to the basics of research design and methods in social science. The module will begin by developing students' ability to use literature effectively in identifying knowledge gaps, empirical puzzles and findings, and formulate research questions based on these. This will be followed by introducing students to the basic concepts and methods in answering substantive research questions from a scientific perspective. Students will focus on developing their understanding of the evolution and development of the scientific process that aims to answer substantive research questions. Overall, students will be introduced to the importance of research puzzles, the use of falsification as a scientific method, hypothesis development and testing, the basics of concept measurement and a number of different research designs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Identify research gaps, puzzles and questions in academic sources and literature 2. Develop research questions and theoretically driven hypotheses using the scientific method 3. Define and measure concepts of interests in social science and politics 4. Develop a research methodology appropriate for answering a substantive research question 5. Combine basic quantitative and qualitative methods in answering a research question | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Recommended booksClark, W. R., Golder, M., & Golder, S. N. (2017). Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press. Kellstedt, P. M., & Whitten, G. D. (2018). The fundamentals of political science research. Cambridge University Press. Halperin, Sandra and Heath, Oliver (2020) Political research: methods and practical skills. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press. SAGE Research Methods collection: https://methods-sagepub-com.dcu.idm.oclc.org | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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