Module Descriptors
RESEARCH METHODS IN POLITICAL STUDIES
HIPOXM0028
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Alan Russell
Email: A.M.Russell@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 22
Independent Study Hours: 128
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 50%
- COURSEWORK - SECOND ESSAY weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
1 x 1,500 word essay (50% of total)
The essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to a problem associated with a substantial aspect of methodological discourse (outcomes 1, 2, 4)
1 x 1,500 project proposal and associated book review. (outcomes 1, 3) (50% of total)
Assessment will look for how you integrate concepts and general themes with detailed research appropriate to the topic chosen giving you every opportunity to demonstrate the general learning outcomes.
A pass is awarded only when all of the assessment is complete and the work meets the learning objectives of the module.
A merit performance in the module will be indicated by an exemplary performance in meeting the learning objectives of the module.
A distinction performance in the module will be indicated by excellence in meeting the learning objectives of the module.
The essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to a problem associated with a substantial aspect of methodological discourse (outcomes 1, 2, 4)
1 x 1,500 project proposal and associated book review. (outcomes 1, 3) (50% of total)
Assessment will look for how you integrate concepts and general themes with detailed research appropriate to the topic chosen giving you every opportunity to demonstrate the general learning outcomes.
A pass is awarded only when all of the assessment is complete and the work meets the learning objectives of the module.
A merit performance in the module will be indicated by an exemplary performance in meeting the learning objectives of the module.
A distinction performance in the module will be indicated by excellence in meeting the learning objectives of the module.
Module Indicative Content
Behaviouralism and the development of social science. Knowledge and the nature of science. Cause and meaning in political explanation; Peter Winch. Theoretical and conceptual change; Thomas Kuhn. Holism and individualism.
Bias and reliability of data. Questions of values and rigour.
The use of quantitative methods. The use of qualitative methods. Ethics and normative concerns in research practice. Postmodern approaches.
Dissertation preparation workshops; including research design.
Bias and reliability of data. Questions of values and rigour.
The use of quantitative methods. The use of qualitative methods. Ethics and normative concerns in research practice. Postmodern approaches.
Dissertation preparation workshops; including research design.
Module Learning Strategies
A programme of 8 lectures will provide background knowledge, structure to the module and identify highly significant themes, concepts and theories. 8 tutorial sessions will be used for discussion and debate on substantive issues drawn from the programme and structured weekly by a module handbook. In addition there will be 6 hours of focused workshops. 128 hours are allocated to self-directed study aided by the handbook and comprehensive reading lists. This time should be used for researching topics and theoretical material, preparing for tutorial discussions and working on the two essays required for assessment.
Module Resources
Overhead projector and video player
Module Texts
D. Marsh & G. Stoker (eds), Theory and Methods in Political Science (1995)
K. Webb, An Introduction to the Philosophical Problems of the Social Sciences (1995)
M. Hollis & S. Smith, Explaining and Understanding International Relations (1991)
K. Webb, An Introduction to the Philosophical Problems of the Social Sciences (1995)
M. Hollis & S. Smith, Explaining and Understanding International Relations (1991)