"If you could learn only one thing in graduate school, it should be how to do scholarly research" (Gary King, Harvard University). By teaching the fundamental logic and process of empirical and interpretive research, and by giving some essential methodological tools in both quantitative and qualitative research, this course helps students assess existing studies, identify their own research questions, develop arguments, and formulate strategies to conduct research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:• define and explain a variety of approaches to research in social sciences (L1);
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of commonly used methodological tools in empirical research, including surveys, interviews, content analysis, case selection and comparison, and basic statistical methods (L2);
• appraise strengths and weaknesses of existing methodological approaches, including: assess conditions under which one can properly apply tools of measurement and systematic ways to make inferences and interpret data (L3); and
• formulate research questions, develop arguments and choose proper research design in its support (L4).
Other Information
Delivery Mode:
Weekly lectures. All lecture notes (PowerPoint slides) and audio recordings will be uploaded to Wattle after each lecture.
Indicative Assessment
60% Short notes (Learning outcomes #1 - #6).
40% In-class test (Learning outcomes #1 - #5).
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Weekly lectures (2.5 hours x 13 weeks).
3-5 hours per week for reading and preparation outside of contact hours to complete the course
Prescribed Texts
Shively, W. Phillips. 2009. The Craft of Political Research. Seventh Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Preliminary Reading
To be distributed.
Assumed Knowledge
This course does not assume that students have prior knowledge of statistics.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1680 | |
| 2014 | $3582 | |
| 2013 | $3582 | |
| 2012 | $3582 | |
| 2011 | $3576 | |
| 2010 | $3570 | |
| 2009 | $3570 | |
| 2008 | $3402 | |
| 2007 | $3132 | |
| 2006 | $3084 | |
| 2005 | $2988 | |
| 2004 | $2412 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3606 |
| 2014 | $4146 |
| 2013 | $4140 |
| 2012 | $4140 |
| 2011 | $4134 |
| 2010 | $4134 |
| 2009 | $4002 |
| 2008 | $4002 |
| 2007 | $3864 |
| 2006 | $3864 |
| 2005 | $3864 |
| 2004 | $3864 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4836 | 17 Feb 2014 | 07 Mar 2014 | 31 Mar 2014 | 30 May 2014 | In Person | N/A |
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5797 | 14 Jul 2014 | 25 Jul 2014 | 25 Jul 2014 | 11 Sep 2014 | In Person | N/A |