Syllabus

Title
0918 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
09/11/18 to 09/25/18
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Bachelor Programs
Introduction to Empirical Social Research
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Monday 10/01/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Thursday 10/04/18 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM TC.4.02
Monday 10/08/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EA.5.034
Thursday 10/11/18 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM D3.0.222
Monday 10/15/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 11/05/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 11/12/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 11/19/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 11/26/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 12/03/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 12/10/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02
Monday 12/17/18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM TC.4.02

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.

This class will provide students with an introduction to the scientific method and an overview of how to apply it to the field of social sciences. In the first part of the course, students will learn the essentials of social research, i.e. 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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Attendance requirements

Examination-immanent courses (PI) have compulsory attendance.
In case of absence the lecturer is to be informed in advance if possible.
More detailed regulations on absenteeism will be explained in the first unit.

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Teaching/learning method(s)

Each session in this course is 2 hours long. During each class period, we will split our time between a brief lecture on main concepts (1/3) and interactive discussions of the course literature and practical application (2/3). Students have to read all of the assigned readings for each session and should be prepared to discuss each reading in class.

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Assessment

The final grade of this course consists of four parts:

  • active participation during the course (20 points),
  • two take-home problem sets (40 points),
  • one evaluation essay (10 points), and
  • a final examination (30 points).

 

Overall grading key:

1 (very good)    - 90 points and more

2 (good)           - between 80 and 89 points

3 (satisfactory) - between 70 and 79 points

4 (sufficient)    - between 60 and 69 points

5 (insufficient)  - less than 60 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: 2018-09-12



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