Doctoral students are required to take POSC 449 and a second research methods course. This second research methods course can be taken outside of the department. Below is a list of courses to consider. Students should confirm the information below, consult with the instructors about eligibility for enrollment, and inquire as to whether POSC 449 can serve in place of other prerequisites. Please note that some of these courses might not be offered regularly and that only 400-level and higher courses count toward the 45 hour doctoral degree requirement. Students may also consider other research methods courses not appearing on this list. Taking any course outside of the department, including those listed below, requires prior approval from the Graduate Coordinator.
ANTH 319, Introduction to Statistical Analysis in the Social Sciences
3 Credits
Statistical description (central tendency, variation, correlation, etc.) and statistical evaluation (two sample comparisons, regression, analysis of variance, nonparametric statistics). Developing an understanding of statistical inference, particularly on proper usage of statistical methods. Examples from the social sciences.
ECON 326, Econometrics
3 Credits
This course covers the techniques used by economists to estimate the parameters of economic relationships such as demand curves and consumption functions. Prerequisites: ECON 102 and ECON 103 and one semester of statistics.
ECON 328, Experimental Economics
3 Credits
This course covers the methods of experiments to study economic behavior. This course will examine the role of market institutions, game theory, and individual choice. Specific topics will depend on both the instructor and student interest, but will include market organization, game theory and rational choice and recent modifications to economic thinking on these topics.
Prerequisite: ECON 102.
ECON 329, Game Theory: The Economics of Thinking Strategically
3 Credits
The term “game theory” refers to the set of tools economists use to think about strategic interactions among small groups of individuals and firms. The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of game theory and its applications. The class will stress the use of game theory as a tool for building models of important economic phenomena. The class will also include a number of experiments designed to illustrate the game theoretic results, and to highlight how reality may depart from the theory. The course will stress the value of thinking strategically and provide students with a framework for thinking strategically in their everyday lives. Rather than approaching each strategic situation they encounter as a unique problem, students will be taught to recognize patterns in the situations they face and to generalize from specific experiences. Prerequisite: ECON 102.
HSTY 611. Introduction to Historiography (3)
Required seminar for all M.A. and Ph.D. students. Introduces students to historiographical and methodological issues.
PSCL 375, Research Design and Analysis
3 Credits
Conceptual and methodological issues confronted by the behavioral scientist conducting research. Major experimental designs and statistical procedures. Intuitive understanding of the mathematical operations. Prerequisite: PSCL 282
PSCL 407, Research Design and Quantitative Analysis I
3 Credits
Intermediate research design and statistical analysis used in psychological research. Statistical inference from single variables, elementary principles of probability, correlation and regression. Prerequisite: PSCL 282
PSCL 408, Research Design and Quantitative Analysis II
3 Credits
Advanced research design and statistical analysis used in psychological research. Statistical inference from multiple variables, multiple correlation and regression, analysis of variance, nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite: PSCL 407
PSCL 417, Multivariate Data Analysis
3 Credits
Major statistical techniques used in experimental and survey research containing more than one dependent variable. Techniques discussed include multiple regression, canonical correlation, multivariate analysis of variance. Discrimination analysis, cluster analysis and factor analysis.
SOCI 303, Social Research Methods
3 Credits
Principles of making causal inferences about human behavior; problem formulation and research design; measurement of sociological concepts; data collection and analysis method; evaluation research findings. Prerequisite: SOCI 112
SOCI 314, Qualitative Methods/Field Research
3 Credits
General introduction to qualitative research methods in which each student conducts research project. Guides students through research process from entering field and data collection and analysis to writing article suitable for publication. Prerequisite: SOCI 112