This module introduces students to the issues and problems when conducting research in Politics. It provides students with initial experience of principles, philosophies and practice of undertaking research, the planning and carrying out research, and some of the problems that arise in the generation, interpretation and evaluation of evidence collected. The modules will take students through the research process – from generating research questions and formulating the research design to key methodologies and issues in data collection. The unit will provide students with the research grounding and knowledge of methodology and data collection techniques in preparation for their Masters dissertation, future academic or wider research opportunities. The workshop programme is designed to enable students to critically evaluate and develop practical skills in different (mixed) methods and will provide some additional introductory statistical training to build and widen their skill set.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Develop an understanding of approaches to theory construction and research design
Demonstrate an awareness of relationships between theory and data for political research
Develop an understanding of the issues and stages involved in the research process to critically address political science questions
Critically appraise the different methodological tools available to collect data
Assessment
35201-03 : Essay - 4000 words : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 4000 word essay (100%) Reassessment: resit of failed piece or pieces of assessment
