Spring 2020 - POL 802 G100

Quantitative Research Methods in Political Science (5)

Class Number: 5304

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of the principles and techniques of quantitative research design, methods, and data collection tools needed to conduct systematic quantitative political science research.

COURSE DETAILS:

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the practice of quantitative data analysis in political science through a combination of lecture and laboratory work. Lectures will explore a variety of commonly used statistical methods and strategies for interpreting the products of statistical research; work in the laboratory will focus on applying statistical and graphical techniques to the analysis and interpretation of social science data. Through assignments, students will have the opportunity to develop and test their own hypotheses and explanations on major research data sets.

Study aims:

(a) Learn methods of statistical analysis using topics and datasets studied in political science, and
(b) familiarize students with data management and statistical analysis using R.

 

There will be a 1-2 hour lecture followed by a lab session each week.  

Grading

  • Mid-term Exam 15%
  • Laboratory and Homework Assignments 55%
  • Research Paper 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Imai, Kosuke. 2017. Quantitative Social Science: An Introduction. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN: 978-0-691-17546-1

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS