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Présentation
Course Overview:
The aim of the "Introduction to Experimental Political Science" course is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles, methodologies, and applications of experimental research within the field of political science. By the end of the course, students will have developed a nuanced appreciation for both qualitative and quantitative analytical approaches, along with a practical skill set for designing, implementing, and analyzing experiments in political science.
Course Goals:
Distinguish Analytical Approaches: Students will develop the ability to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative analysis, recognizing the strengths and limitations of each. This foundational knowledge will form the basis for more advanced discussions on experimental methodologies.
Comprehend Experimental Designs:
The course aims to familiarize students with various experimental designs, natural experiments, quasi-experiments, field experiments, lab experiments and survey experiments. Students will learn when and how to employ each design, understanding the implications for political science research.
Apply Ethical Research Practices:
Students will gain an ethical framework for conducting political science experiments, emphasizing the importance of informed consent, debriefing, and addressing potential ethical challenges in the research process.
Design and Present Survey Experiments:
Through hands-on experience, students will learn to formulate research questions, design survey experiments, and present their proposals to the class. This practical application will enhance their ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute experiments in real-world political science scenarios.
Module 1: Introduction to Political Science Research (1.5 hours)
- Overview of political science research methods
- Importance of experimental methods in political science
- Introduction to qualitative and quantitative analysis
Module 2: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Analysis (1.5 hours)
- Understanding qualitative research: principles and approaches
- Understanding quantitative research: principles and approaches
- Strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative analysis
Module 3: Types of Experiments in Political Science (1.5 hours)
- Overview of experimental research design
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and their application in political science
- Natural experimental designs: strengths and challenges
Module 4: Lab Experiments in Political Science (1.5 hours)
- Introduction to laboratory experiments
- Advantages and disadvantages of conducting experiments in a controlled environment
- Ethical considerations in lab experiments
Module 5: Field Experiments and Natural Experiments (1.5 hours)
- Definition and characteristics of field experiments
- Case studies of successful field experiments in political science
- Understanding natural experiments and their relevance
Module 6: Survey experiments (1.5 hours)
- What is the difference between field and survey experiments
- What we can get from survey experiments
- Examples of survey experiments
Module 7: Conjoint experiments and their design (1.5 hours)
- The pros and cons of conjoint experiments
- How to design a conjoint experiment: examples
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- Students’ assignment: design a survey experiment (in a controlled environment)
- What to do for the class presentation.
Module 8: Validity and Reliability in Political Science Experiments (1.5 hours)
- Understanding internal and external validity
- Ensuring reliability in experimental research
- Threats to validity and strategies for mitigating them
Module 9: Analyzing Experimental Data (1.5 hours)
- Introduction to data analysis techniques for experimental research
- Basic statistical methods for analyzing experimental results
- Interpreting findings and drawing conclusions
Module 10: Ethical Considerations in Political Science Experiments (1.5 hours)
- Ethical guidelines for conducting experiments
- Informed consent and debriefing procedures
- Navigating ethical challenges in political science research
Module 11 and 12: Class Presentation of Survey Experiments (3 hours)
- Student presentations of survey experiment proposals
- Peer review and feedback
- Reflection on the course and future directions in experimental political science research.
Modalités
Methods of Teaching:
Interactive Lectures:
The course will employ interactive lectures to introduce key concepts, theories, and methodological approaches. Engaging discussions and real-world examples will enhance students' grasp of theoretical concepts.
Case Studies:
Real-world case studies of successful political science experiments will be analyzed to provide practical insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with different experimental designs.
Hands-On Exercises:
Students will engage in an hands-on exercise to apply theoretical knowledge, designing experiments, analyzing data, and addressing ethical considerations. These exercises will bridge the gap between theory and practical application.
Student Presentations:
The final modules will feature student presentations of survey experiment proposals, fostering a collaborative and participatory learning environment. Peer review and constructive feedback will enhance the quality of students' research proposals.
Through these teaching methods, the course aims to create an immersive and dynamic learning experience, enabling students to emerge with a solid foundation in experimental political science and the confidence to apply their knowledge in future research endeavors.
Evaluation:
- 10% class participation;
- 50% class presentation in modules 11-12;
- 40% closed questions exam at the end of the course.
Ressources
<b>Materials:</b>|| Materials for each module, including relevant readings and excerpts from the book "Experimental Political Science and the Study of Causality" by Morton, Rebecca B., and Williams, Kenneth C., will be distributed by the teacher before each session. The materials will include only peer-reviewed experimental-based papers published in international political science journals and they will be in English. These readings will complement the course content and provide additional insights into the theoretical foundations of experimental political science.