GI5077 - Paradigms and Politics: Research Methods and Models (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||
| Module title | Paradigms and Politics: Research Methods and Models | ||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
||||||||
| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
How is knowledge produced in the discipline of Politics and International Relations? What are the main research methods, models and tools which are employed to investigate political actors, issues and phenomena? And what are the consequences from the choices which are made in these regards? These are the key questions which you will explore on this module.
The module sits at a key point in the degree journey for students of Politics and International Relations. It enables you to deepen your understanding of your course, by reflecting not just on the findings of research, but also on the relative strengths and limitations of the research methods employed, while enabling you to develop a proposal for an independent research project, which can be used as the basis for the final year project you will be required to undertake.
You will be introduced to the main methodological approaches in the discipline, such as the use of statistics, case studies, primary sources of information, big data analytics and interviews, as well as some of the more practical aspects of research design, such as defining a research question and compiling an indicative bibliography.
Through this module you will develop an appreciation for the various research methods and techniques employed in the discipline of Politics and International Relations; be able to reflect on the relative strengths and weakness of these approaches; develop key research skills relating to designing an independent project; and become more aware of the ethical and political issues with framing and undertaking research projects.
Prior learning requirements
None.
Available for Study Abroad.
Syllabus
The module investigates some of the central epistemological and methodological debates, such as the nature of truth, historicism and the question of whether the social sciences have distinctive methodological approaches. We will also examine the political dimensions to these discussions (LO3).
We will explore and evaluate the key research methods employed in the discipline of Politics and International Relations, such as case studies, quantitative methods, interviews and focus groups, as well as more recently developed techniques, such as big data analytics and experiments (LO1). We will examine some exemplars of research from the discipline to explore how these methods have been employed and consider their relative strengths and limitations (LO2).
Finally, the module explores the research design process, including how to develop a good research question and devise a suitable chapter structure, as well as research ethics considerations (LO4).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
You will learn about research methods and models of research design through weekly classes. Most weeks the classes will comprise a formal lecture setting out the main issues, developments and critiques of the subject for that week, followed by group activities in a workshop and then a seminar centred on assigned readings and discussion questions. Rather than explore research methods at an abstract level, the classes will examine exemplary research outputs from our discipline demonstrating how the methods in question can be employed to produce new knowledge about political actors, developments, issues and structures. The module is supported by extensive use of Weblearn and Talis Aspire reading list and will explore how the internet and associated tools can be used for academic research.
You will be given opportunities, both within classes and through independent study (e.g., assigned readings and related activities), to reflect on the appropriate use of research models and methodologies as well as their relative strengths and limitations.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Understand the variety of research methods employed in the discipline of Politics and International Relations.
2. Reflect on the merits, limitations and consequences of using particular methods.
3. Demonstrate an appreciation for how methodologies shape the outcomes of research.
4. Develop an independent research project appropriate for the final year of an undergraduate study in the discipline.
Assessment strategy
You will be assessed by a research portfolio, comprising three separate pieces of work: two entries reflecting on the strengths and limitations of any of the research methods explored on the module; and a research design for an independent research project (which may form the basis of your final year-project or dissertation).
The entries on research methods are intended to enable you to reflect on the role and implications of these approaches in the study of Politics and International Relations, considering how appropriate they are for research in specific areas of the discipline.
In the research design component of the portfolio, you will define an area for investigation, develop a research question, explain the methodology to be employed, outline an appropriate chapter structure, compile an indicative bibliography of relevant sources, and explain any research ethics considerations.
You will receive formative feedback by submitting a draft of one of the pieces on research methods midway through the module and through discussing and presenting your ideas for your research design in class.