Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - POL 802 G100

Quantitative Research Methods in Political Science (5)

Class Number: 2613

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 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:

Political Science 802 introduces graduate students to the practice of quantitative data analysis in political science and related social science fields. Through a combination of lecture, in-class, and at-home work, students will be exposed to and explore a variety of commonly used statistical techniques and calculations along with strategies for interpreting the products of statistical research. Students will also be exposed to commands in the R language that are designed to help them conduct quantitative research. The overarching goal of these exercises is to enable students to conduct, interpret, and communicate the results of their own quantitative research projects.

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Learn basic statistical concepts, techniques, and measurements.
  • Understand challenges associated with statistical inference and the process of quantitative reasoning.
  • Develop a grounding in methods and strategies for interpreting and communicating quantitative results effectively.
  • Have a working knowledge of the statistical program, R.

Grading

  • Four Assignments (5% each) 20%
  • Two Exams (30% each) 60%
  • Performance in weekly class meetings, including in-class assignments 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ethan Bueno de Mesquita and Anthony Fowler’s (2021) Thinking Clearly with Data: A Guide to Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis: Princeton University Press.

Other materials are freely available online.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.