This course focuses on the practice and application of quantitative empirical research. Students will learn and discuss which type of research questions are typically analyzed using quantitative methods. A selection of empirical quantitative methods is revised and discussed using exemplary studies. Methodologically, the course focuses on the following topics:

• Data collection and operationalization
• Survey research
• Experiments
• Observational data analysis
• Regression discontinuities

Course structure

This course is planned as a hybrid course. The course consists of both presence sessions with rotation mode and online sessions.

In November, all sessions of the course will take place online. Synchronous / "live" online sessions are scheduled for Nov 8, Nov 17, and Nov 24. A link to the online session will be sent shortly beforehand. All other sessions, which are also labelled as "Online-Einheit" in the syllabus, are asynchronous. Asynchronous means that students receive self-study materials and tasks, which they can solve flexibly within a given time period of online session. Please note that for asynchronous sessions, times indicated in the syllabus do not apply! The time slot of asynchronous online sessions is typically open from Wednesday, 4pm, until Monday, 4pm.

In December, the course is planned with an asynchronous online session and presence sessions (Dec 1, Dec 15). In presence sesions, topics will be discussed interactively in the plenum. The attendance time in presence sessions is divided between two student groups. During the first 45 minutes of the unit, the first half of the students is present, during the second 45 minutes the second half.

Learning design

In this course, quantitative research designs will be discussed both theoretically and illustratively using published quantitative studies. For this purpose, the course will contain a brief theoretical revision of advantages and disadvantages of a selection of quantitative research designs. The focus of a typical course session will lie on discussing the practical implementation of a quantitative research design.

Readings and course material, which support students in solving these tasks, will be provided online. Towards the end of the course, students will apply their methodological understanding to selected quantitative studies in the form of a review. To deepen learning experience, students also have to discuss one review by fellow students.

Depending on the type of task in asynchronous online sessions (e.g. reading comprehension, quiz, or open question), feedback to students' solutions will be provided either as an automized text or discussed in depth in the next synchronous sessions. An online forum is available for communication during the course. Any question regarding online modules is typically answered within three working days.