This course is a graduate-level introduction to empirical research in public policy. Designed for MPhil students who are beginning their research project, the aim of the course is to give students the tools to pose focused research questions, develop answers with theoretical frameworks, formulate and re?ne concepts, construct valid and reliable measures, and ?nally to gather data. While other methodology courses teach students how to analyze data, this course emphasizes the process of developing research questions and gathering high quality data for answering them. Particular attention is directed to problems, and strategies related to “small-n” qualitative research, for the most part setting aside the techniques of experimental, quasi-experimental as well as correlational analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Distinguish between di?erent styles of social science research based on ontological and epistemological foundations in the philosophy of science.
- Formulate research questions, develop hypothesis/arguments and choose proper research design in its support.
- Show fluency in appraising strengths and weaknesses of existing methodological approaches in regard to systematic ways to make causal inferences and interpret data.
- Demonstrate thesis relevant knowledge of commonly used methodological tools in empirical research, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, comparative analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), process tracing, as well as basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques (e.g. surveys, interviews, content analysis etc.
- Develop a first draft of a Master's Thesis proposal based on the research design elements discussed in class.
Indicative Assessment
- Development of research questions and research hypotheses (20) [LO 1,2]
- Selection and presentation of an appropriate research design (20) [LO 2,3]
- Development of a Master's Thesis proposal draft (4000-5000 words) (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Preliminary Reading
See Wattle course site and class summary
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4179 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |