This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

Lecture Notes

LECĀ # TOPICS
Part I: The Scientific Method
1 Introduction and Course Overview
2 Models and Theories in Political Science (PDF)
Part II: Methods of Research
3 Introduction to Research Design and the Experimental Method (PDF)
4 Case Studies, Comparing Cases, and Statistical Analysis (PDF)
Part III: Gathering Data
5 Selecting and Sampling Cases (PDF)
6 Observation, Measurement, and Political Implications I (PDF)
7 Observation, Measurement, and Political Implications II (PDF)
Part IV: Guest Lectures
8 Stephen Ansolabehere
9 TBA
Part V: Student Presentations
10 Group 1
11 Group 2
12 Group 3
Part VI: Conclusions
13 Final Thoughts: Ethics and Political Research