Research Design and Methodology

In this seminar, students learn how to design and execute research that produces quantitative data for analysis. The seminar introduces the students to methodologies such as experiments, field studies, and surveys, along with their possibilities and limitations. The selection of methods is presented in the larger context of the overall research process, which includes conception, design, and execution. In this context, students learn how to progress from theoretical research questions to scientifically rigorous research designs and how to interpret the results of their studies. Students will be exposed to foundational readings in Research Methods, as well as recent research studies using quantitative methods. With the knowledge gained from these sources and their application in a semester-long project, students will develop a strong understanding of how to design sound empirical studies and how to produce academically rigorous and practically relevant research.