Research Design in Political Science

The course addresses how research design is used to answer research questions in political science and how different design choices shape the possibilities for both theoretical and empirical conclusions. Central themes include causal and descriptive research designs, identification strategies, assessments of validity, and how design choices affect the interpretation of empirical results. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ analytical ability to compare and justify research designs, as well as to understand the epistemological and practical limitations associated with different research approaches. The course consists of both lectures and seminars in which students analyze published studies and formulate their own research design proposals.