This course provides an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods in the social sciences. Topics address issues related to both theory building (eg, case studies and formal models) and theory testing (eg, observational studies, experiments, and simulations). The central focus of this course is on theoretical and practical issues regarding the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to original research. The goals of this course are: 1) to enable students to critically analyze scholarly articles with particular attention to issues arising from the research design; and 2) to guide students in the construction of an optimal research design for a project they will or might complete in subsequent semesters (such as a senior honors thesis or an independent research project). This course is taught by Professor Michael Cohen; the class meets at 1779 Massachusetts Avenue, Ste. 705.
Syllabus: Spring 2013 Syllabus