Quantitative Research and Methods in Political Science

2024-2025

Algemene informatie

Vakcode S_QRMP
Studiepunten 6 EC
Periode P1
Vakniveau 200
Onderwijstaal Engels
Faculteit Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen
Vakcoördinator dr. C. Wang
Examinator dr. C. Wang
Docenten E.J.P. Zwarthoed MSc
dr. C. Wang
R.D.A. Endtz
S.M.O. Ornstein
Onderdeel van opleiding(en)

Praktische informatie

Voor dit vak moet je zelf intekenen. De inteken- en afmeldtermijnen staan op VU.nl

Onderwijsvorm Werkgroep*, Hoorcollege

*Voor deze onderwijsvorm kun je geen groep kiezen, je wordt hiervoor ingedeeld.

Dit vak wordt in het Engels aangeboden. Omschrijvingen kunnen daardoor mogelijk alleen in het Engels worden weergegeven.

Doel vak

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding - The student has acquired knowledge and understanding of:

  1. The foundations of quantitative research methodologies and their application in answering social and political science questions.
  2. Basic descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression and prediction, emphasising the use of statistical software R.
  3. Theoretical and practical aspects of causal inference.

Skills - The student is able to

  1. Analyse and interpret quantitative data effectively using statistical tools and software.
  2. Construct and evaluate research designs that accurately address social scientific questions.
  3. Synthesise research findings into coherent, scientifically and methodologically sound reports that are understandable to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Attitude - The student will:

  1. Cultivate a critical approach to assessing both their research and existing literature, recognising the ethical implications and limitations of their methodological choices.
  2. Embrace the role of a critical consumer of information, maintaining a lifelong commitment to data literacy and evidence-based reasoning.

Inhoud vak

In an era in which quantitative data drives decision-making across sectors, this course equips students with the necessary tools to address questions in political science. The course aims to foster an understanding of how to apply data science techniques effectively. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills in data analysis and causal reasoning, students will not only be prepared to engage with social science research but also gain a competitive edge in the data-driven job market. The goal is to cultivate a data literate generation of students capable of employing quantitative evidence to inform sound policy decisions.

Aanvullende informatie onderwijsvormen

Lectures and seminars. Attendance in both is mandatory.

Toetsvorm

Tutorial participation and exam

Literatuur

To be announced in the course manual (see CANVAS)

Afwijkende intekenprocedure

In this course, you cannot enroll for one of the study groups yourself, but you will be assigned by the course coordinator. The allocation will be announced via Canvas. Please note: You do have to register for the course and the other course components on VU.nl.

Aanbevolen voorkennis

Having succesfully passed the course Descriptive and Inferential Statistics