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Term 1 Week 1

Introduction: Causal thinking and research designs

The first session introduces the fundamentals of (qualitative) empirical-analytical political science research. Taking the example of socialization research, we will start out by assessing your ‘general’ background with regard to research design and qualitative methods. We will then discuss your ideas for your module project on a socialization-related question. En passant, you will learn the vocabulary of the scientific study of political phenomena.

Methodological readings Applied readings
  • [1] Schmitter, P. (2008) The Design of Social and Political Research, in: D. della Porta and M. Keating (eds.) Approaches and Methodologies in the Social Sciences: A Pluralist Perspective. Cambridge UP, Ch. 14 (pp. 263-295).
  • [2] Kellstedt, P. and G. Whitten (2013) The Fundamentals of Political Science Research. Cambridge UP (2nd edition), Ch. 1 ‘The Scientific Study of Politics’ (pp. 1-23).

[1] Book available as e-book through library. Simply copy-paste the title of the book into the article search function of the 'encore'-platform.

[2] Book as hard copy available in library in 2013 and 2009 editions (JA86.K45); please find a scanned copy of the first chapter here (PDF Document).

  • [1] Zimbardo, P. and M. Leippe (1991) The Psychology of Attitude Change and Social Influence. McGraw-Hill, Ch. 1 'A world of influence' (pp. 1-41).

  • [2] Pettigrew, T. (1998) Applying Social Psychology to International Social Issues, Journal of Social Issues 54(4): 663-675.
  • [3] Checkel, J. (2005) International Institutions and Socialization in Europe: Introduction and Framework. International Organization 59(4): 801–826.

  • [4] Sigalas, E. (2010) Cross-Border Mobility and European Identity: The Effectiveness of Intergroup Contact during the Erasmus Year Abroad. European Union Politics 11(2): 241–265.

[1] Book as hard copy available in library (QZ245.2.Z4); please find a scanned copy of the first chapter here (PDF Document).

[2] [3] [4] Journal available as e-journal through library. Simply copy-paste the title of the article into the article search function of the 'encore'-platform.