Syllabus

Title
5868 Introduction to Empirical Social Research
Instructors
Dr. Katharina Gabriela Pfaff
Contact details
kpfaff@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/12/18 to 02/23/18
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Bachelor Programs
Introduction to Empirical Social Research
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Thursday 03/08/18 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM TC.4.18
Thursday 03/15/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.18
Thursday 03/22/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.18
Thursday 04/19/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.18
Thursday 04/26/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.18
Thursday 05/03/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.18
Thursday 05/17/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.16
Thursday 05/24/18 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM TC.4.12
Thursday 06/07/18 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM TC.4.04
Thursday 06/21/18 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.12
Thursday 06/28/18 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM TC.4.18

On this page:

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Contents

Research is a systematic activity that seeks to explain  social phenomenon. Scientists conduct research to eliminate the influence of erroneous believes and alternative facts. Different research methods can be applied to provide and test a causal explanation. The quality of research primarily depends upon whether we have opted for the right kind of methodology to investigate the issue at hand.

The first part of the course focuses on the essentials of social research, i.e. laying down the purpose and scientific method of research in social science in general. What does empirical social research mean? What is 'scientific' research? What does 'validity' mean? Which steps are indispensable for an empirical research project? What is a good theory? How is a theory related to an empirical method?

The second part of the course discusses a selection of both qualitative and quantitative methods used in empirical social research. The strengths and weaknesses of a selection of quantitative and qualitative research technologies are analysed in depth. How can we measure social phenomena? Which method can be applied best to which settings? The application of these methods will be highlighted based on a discussion of published research.

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Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to impart basic knowledge and skills of empirical social research. During the course, students carry out many small activities implementing the essentials of empirical social research. After successfully participating at this course, students can assess the quality of empirical research projects.

At the end of this course, students can also decide and argue for a suitable research design when given research project. This means that students can distinguish different empirical research methods in social sciences and describe their power as well as their limitations. In addition, students can critically evaluate empirical research articles. This course fosters critical thinking such that students learn to correctly interpret and evaluate empirical results and their validity.

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Teaching/learning method(s)
This course is mostly based on interactive discussions of the course literature as well as lecturing. Students have to prepare readings for each session. 
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Assessment

The final grade of this course consists of three parts with a total of 100 points:

  • active participation during the course and at least 2 brief in-class or take-home activities (30 points),
    • at least 2 reading assignments (30 points), and
    • a final examination at the end of the course (40 points).
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    Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

    Participation in this course requires a good command of (academic) English. Prospective participants should be able to actively participate at the course and understand recommended readings.

    Registrations are considered on a first come, first served basis. Please note that attendance at the first session is mandatory. If you are registered but cannot participate at this course, please unsubscribe from the course in time such that other students can sign up for this class.

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    Recommended previous knowledge and skills

    This course is not an introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods such as regression analysis. Rather the focus of this course is to deepen the understanding when to apply the most commonly used methods. A basic understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods is thus helpful.

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    Availability of lecturer(s)

    kpfaff@wu.ac.at

    Last edited: 2018-03-07



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