Statistical Research Methods (312-0-21)
Instructors
Jason W Seawright
847/467-1148
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/jason-seawright.html
Meeting Info
University Hall 122: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
(Subject to change)
How racist is the average American, and what makes some more racist than others? Why can't Democrats and Republicans just get along? Does a country's colonial experience shape its future political and economic possibilities? These questions, and many more, have been addressed by statistical research in political science. This course explores quantitative/statistical research methods in the social sciences, with the goal of helping students learn how to carry out statistical social science research of their own. To that end, we will review the basics of statistical theory and quantitative research design. We will also examine applications of these methods to various topics in political science. Throughout, the emphasis will be on practical, applied advice for constructing and successfully completing quantitative research in political science and related fields.
Learning Objectives
Throughout the quarter, you will work on hands-on projects involving a research question and data set of your own choosing. Thus, you will learn how to evaluate other people's statistical work, but also how to design, execute, and interpret their own statistical models.
Evaluation Method
Weekly data projects (70%) followed by a final term paper (30%)
Class Materials (Required)
Quan Li, Using R for Data Analysis in the Social Sciences.Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN 978-0190656225.
Paul Kellstedt, The Fundamentals of Political Science Research. Cambridge University Press, 2018. 3rd edition. ISBN 978-1316642672
Additional course materials will be available electronically
Class Attributes
Formal Studies Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - University Hall 118: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - University Hall 112: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - University Hall 118: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - University Hall 112: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM