GV914-7-SP-CO:
Research Design

The details
2022/23
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 16 January 2023
Friday 24 March 2023
15
07 February 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

GV915

Key module for

MRESL25024 International Relations,
MRESL20624 Political Economy,
MRESL20024 Political Science,
MSC L2I112 Social Data Science

Module description

This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs and their applications in the study of politics.

In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation.

Module aims

This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs and their applications in the study of politics.

In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their
M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the course:

1. Students will learn how to develop and evaluate research questions on topics in the politics/social science
2. Students will be able explain the difference between a research question and a hypothesis
3. Students will be able to identify and describe the appropriate research technique(s) for answering different types of research questions
4. Students will apply the appropriate research technique to a given question and be able to justify their choice of technique

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Class will meet once a week for 2 hours (120 min) during the Spring term. This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs and their applications in the study of politics. In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation. What we expect of you during lecture and classes: To attend all lectures and classes after having done the required reading. To pay attention and take notes as necessary. To think about the readings and lectures notes before the class and be ready to discuss them: try to identify the key assumptions in the texts; map the structure of the argument; underline the conclusions. Highlight to yourself points you don’t understand. Ask yourself whether you agree with the text, whether you can identify weaknesses or gaps in the argument, and what could someone who disagrees with it argue against it. To offer your participation as required (answering questions, asking questions etc.). Learning about and discussing these texts is a communal endeavour and it is a matter of good citizenship to contribute. Further, part of what we want you to achieve, and what we mark you for, is clear and confident oral presentation. You are expected to answer questions, raise new points, and contribute to the progression of discussion in class.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Manuscript Assignment 1    25% 
Coursework   Manuscript Assignment 2    25% 
Coursework   Complete Research Proposal    40% 
Practical   In-Class Presentation    10% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Ireen Litvak-Zur, email: i.litvak-zur@essex.ac.uk.
Faten Ghosn
Module Supervisor: Ireen Litvak-Zur, i.litvak-zur@essex.ac.uk / Student Administrator Jamie Seakens govpgquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Damien Bol
King's College London
Senior Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Government

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