Empirical Research Methodology & Measurement
Aims
The goal of this course is to strengthen and deepen the understanding of the core methodological issues and choices in empirical research. The contents of this course comprise all phases of an empirical study, from the specification of its aim against the background of an evaluation of previous research, through case selection and measurement decisions, to the production of the study’s results, their interpretation and their reporting.
Information
The course is structured around current and emerging themes and debates in the methodological literature. Current research routines and their alternatives will be discussed and critically assessed using literature in which competing approaches are presented and justified or criticized.
In this course you will
(a) Read literature on methodological debates and discuss its contents in class.
(b) Practice your understanding of this literature by means of assignments.
For each of the nine plenary sessions, there will be readings and an assignment. You will receive feedback on each assignment. Submission of assignments (before the stated deadline) and attendance at the sessions are mandatory.
Assessment
The course will be concluded with a final assignment for grading, which consists of a critical evaluation of a published research paper. Your course grade will be based on this final assignment.
Materials
All mandatory readings (including chapters from the Dul & Hak and Cumming books) will be made available in digital form (PDF) on Blackboard.
