10769 Introduction to Quantitative Research I: Principles and Design

Credits: 4 intermediate credits in Sociology & Anthropology or in Political Science or in Communication

Prerequisites: One of the following: Introduction to Theories and Methods in Political Science, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Mass Media, Introduction to the Social Sciences

The aim of the course is to acquaint students with the scientific logic, principles, and tools for conducting quantitative research in the fields of sociology, political science and communication, emphasizing the links between the theoretical and empirical dimension of scientific research. The course focuses on the basic concepts and models of scientific enquiry, and on the specific ways in which it is conducted in these disciplines.

The course presents the different phases of research design and execution – from the formulation of questions to the presentation of findings – and reviews the theoretical and methodological considerations that guide researchers’ decisions throughout the process.

In the first part of the course the students are acquainted with the theoretical-analytical logic of quantitative research in sociology, political science and communication, and with the concepts that stem from that logic, such as causality, variables, assumptions, hypotheses, etc. Subsequently, the course addresses different research strategies, research designs, and methods of data collection.