Copyright (C) 2004 Raouf Tajvidi
Following the short course in methodology, Dynamic Thinking in Political Research, at The Research Forum in 2006, there emerged an interest in methodological challenges in political research. This course is therefore designed to address that interest. You are required to purchase at least the following 3 main texts below, the total cost of which is approximately £75.00.
- Peter Burnham et al, Research Methods in Politics (Palgrave, 2004).
- David Marsh & Gerry Stoker, Theory and Methods in Political Science (Basingstoke & New York: Palgrave, 2nd edition, 2002).
- Colin Hay, Political Analysis: A Critical Introduction (Basingstoke & New York: Palgrave, 2002).
This course introduces participants to the problem of political analysis. It explains the key component of various approaches to political science. This knowledge is then applied to current issues of politics and international relations, helping students develop a critical appreciation of ontological and epistemological dimensions of analysis and how in turn these factors impact the choice of methodology for and outcome of research.
As all self-taught courses, there are three crucial requirements for the successful completion of this programme: genuine interest in the topic, commitment to learning and patiently and systematically following the teaching programme. Participants are reminded that the objective of the course is not the speed with which they complete the programme but how much they enjoy doing it. Ideally you are required to spend 12 hours a week on the course. However, since this is a self-taught course you are required to define your own pace as far as the learning objectives are concerned. Some units make take longer to complete compared to the others. What is important is that you do not move to the next task, section or unit unless you have fully understood the terms, concepts and theories tackled under your existing brief and until you are fully satisfied with your progress.
Before you start the course, you need to read Nigel Warburton, Philosophy: The Essential Study Guide (London & New York: Routledge, 2008), £9.99. This is essentially a study guide for students of philosophy, but it is also a valuable contribution to study skills and critical thinking for all interested in learning. The approach of the book is what the Research Forum has always sought to promote in relation to learning, so it is a must. It is less than 100 pages and enjoyable to read.
Course Aims:
- to explain the role of and organic relationship between concepts, theories, methods and methodologies in political analysis and their impact on research results;
- to explain the dynamics, strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to political science;
- to apply these perspectives to the analysis of domestic and international politics
- to compare and contrast the potentials and limitations of each approach and assess their practical and theoretical implications for political analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- distinguish between the role of concepts, theories, methods and methodologies in research process and use them more effectively and consciously in the analysis of political events.
- demonstrate a good understanding of potentials and limitations of each perspective in political science
- compare and contrast research dynamics of each approach and their impact on research outcome
- articulate their argument with conscious, clear and well-informed reference to concepts, theories and approaches.
- demonstrate competence in a range of transferable skills including analytical, critical, communication and independent study skills.
Learning and Teaching Strategy:
The learning strategy is straightforward: the content of the three books are reorganised in the learning programme with the objective of clarifying and explaining the relevant term, concepts and approaches and the role they play in relation to each other. It is highly recommended that participants take their time in reading these books. Some chapters are easier than others, but you need to master them all before you move on.
In order to develop an in depth understanding of the concepts, theories and issues involved, it is recommended that you also choose relevant books from the list provided by the course under Further Reading below. In addition, you are also provided with further reading lists at the end of Burnham's book or at the end of each chapter in Marsh and Stoker's.
Participants are expected to read each chapter patiently and thoroughly first and then write an essay of 1000-1500 words as a summary at the end. Some questions are listed as a guide at the end of each unit.
Learning Activities
Unit 1: Dynamics of Political Analysis: Theory, Method & Methodology.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 from Peter Burnham's Research Methods in Politics. The objective is to understand the boundaries of Politics as a discipline and the difference between "research methods" and "research methodology".
Now move to the Introduction and Chapter 1 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science. The objective is to understand the concepts of ontology and epistemology and their role in the research process.
Are you able to define and distinguish between the following terms/concept: ontology, epistemology, research methods and research methodology? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise the chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what was the main argument of the chapter? Which key terms, concepts or approaches were examined? In what ways has the chapter contributed to my analytical skills?
Unit 2: Understanding Research.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
Read Chapter 2 from Peter Burnham's Research Methods in Politics. The objective is to understand what research means and involves. The unit aims to introduce you to the idea and importance of research design.
Go through the chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise the chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what does research design mean? What does research process involve? Finally, how many types of research design can you think of?
PART I: METHODS
Unit 3: Research Sources and Tools in Political Analysis.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
Read Chapters 4, 5, 7 and 8 from Peter Burnham's Research Methods in Politics. The objective is to familiarise one with some of the research sources and tools available to political scientists: surveys and public opinions; descriptive statistics; documentary and archival analysis; and finally, the internet sources. It is important that you understand how these tools are used by researchers.
Go through the chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: how accurate each tool is? What are the limitations and potential of each tool?
Unit 4: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapters 9, 10 & 11 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science and Chapters 6, 9 & 10 from Peter Burnham's Research Methods in Politics. The objective is to familiarise one with the potential as well as limitations of the choice of each method for research strategy and outcome.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what are the epistemological underpinnings of each method? Will they lead to biases in the research design and outcome? Is there any benefit in combining the two methods?
Unit 5: Comparative Methods.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapter 12 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science and Chapter 3 from Peter Burnham's Research Methods in Politics. The objective is to familiarise one with the potential as well as limitations of the comparative method and their implications for research strategies and outcome.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what are qualitative comparative strategies? In what ways do they differ from quantitative comparative strategies? And finally, what are the challenges facing the comparative method?
PART II: APPROACHES
Unit 6: The Institutionalist Approach; Behaviourial
Analysis & Rational Choice Theory.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapters 2, 3 & 4 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science. The objective is to understand the core features of each approach and their implications for research strategies and outcome.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise each chapter in essay format. Draw a table with three columns and three rows. Now compare and contrast the ontological assumptions, the epistemological approach and methodological orientation of each.
Unit 7: Feminist and Marxist Methodologies.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapters 5 & 7 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science, and then Chapter 12 from Peter Burnham's Research Methods in Politics. The objective is to understand the core features of each approach and their implications for research strategies and outcome.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what are the critical responses to Feminist political science? Do you agree with them? And finally, what has Marxism got to offer as an approach?
Unit 8: Interpretive and Normative Theories.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapters 6 & 8 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science, and then Chapter 7 from Hay's Political Analysis: A critical Introduction. The objective is to understand the role of interpretation in political analysis and implications for research strategies and outcome.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what do you understand by 'subjectivity', 'rationality' and 'relativism'? What are the strengths and weaknesses of an anti-foundational approach to interpretation? How useful are Critical Theory and 'dialectics' to political analysis? And finally, can you explain 'deontological theory'?
PART III: ISSUES
Unit 9: Structure & Agency Debate.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapter 13 from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science, and then Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 from Hay's Political Analysis: A critical Introduction. The objective is to introduce the participants to the structure and agency debate and highlight its implications for research outcome.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Identify the main argument of each chapter. Then summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what do you understand by concepts of 'structure ' and 'agency'? how relevant is the structure and agency debate to political research?
Unit 10: Institutions and Ideas.
It is important that you follow these steps in order:
First read Chapter 14 & the Conclusion from Marsh and Stoker's Theory and Methods in Political Science, and then Chapters 5, 6 & the Conclusion from Hay's Political Analysis: A critical Introduction. The objective is to understand how competing political approaches treat the same concepts of 'institutions' and 'ideas' differently, highlighting the impact of radically different ontological and epistemological positions on research outcomes.
Go through each chapter and list all subheadings: do you remember what each section was about? If not, re-read the relevant sections. Make sure you have a clear understanding of them before moving on.
Identify the main argument of each chapter. Then summarise each chapter in essay format. The main questions to answer are: what do you understand by terms, historical and rational institutionalism? What do you understand by change in political analysis? And finally, should there be any space for ideas in political analysis?
Congratulation! Now that you have completed the course successfully and hopefully intend to deepen your understanding of the challenges facing political analysts, try to read more of the following books listed below.
Further Reading:
Brooke Ackerly, ed., Feminist Methodologies for International Relations (Cambridge University Press, 2006).
Margaret Archer, Being Human: The Problem of Agency (Cambridge university Press, 2000)
Margaret Archer, Roy Bhaskar, et al, Critical Realism: Essential Readings (London & New York: Routledge, 1998).
R. Bhaskar, The Possibility of Naturalism (Hemel Hampstead: Wheatsheaf, 1979).
Ted Benton and Ian Craib, Philosophy of Social Science (Palgrave, 2001).
Peter Berger & Thomas Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge (Penguin, 1991).
Andrew Brown, et al, ed., Critical Realism & Marxism (London: Routledge, 2001).
W. Carlsnaes, 'The Agency-Structure Problem in Foreign Policy Analysis', International Studies Quarterly, 1992, 36, pp. 245-70.
Noam Chomsky, Problems of Knowledge & Freedom (New York: The New Press, 2003).
G A Cohen, Karl Marx's Theory of History: A Defence (Oxford: Clarendon Press, Expanded edition, 2000).
Sean Creaven, Marxism & Realism: A Materialistic Application of Realism in Social Sciences (London: Routledge, 2002).
Simon Critchley and Oliver Marchart, eds., Laclau: A Critical Reader (London & New York: Routledge, 2006).
Michael Crotty, The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process (Sage Publishers, 1998).
G. Delanty, Social Theory in a Changing World: Conceptions of Modernity (Cambridge: Polity, 1999).
D. Dessler, 'What is at Stake in the Agent/Structure Debate?, International Organisation, 1989, 41, 3.
Marcus E. Ethridge, The Political Research Experience: Reading and Analysis (M.E. Sharpe, 3rd edition, 2001).
Norman Fairclough, Language and Power (Longman, 1989).
Norman Fairclough, Discourse and Social Change (Polity, 2007).
Norman Fairclough, Analysing Discourse: Textual Analysis for Social Research (Routledge, 2008).
Norman Fairclough, Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language (Longman, 1995).
B. Fay, 'Does Our Culture or Society Make Us What We Are?', in Contemporary Philosophy of Social Science: A Multicultural Approach, (Oxford: Blackwell, 1996).
Michel Foucault, The Archaeology of Knowledge and the Discourse on Language (New York: Panthen Books, 1972).
Gil Friedman, Harvey Starr, Agency, Structure and International Politics: From Ontology to Empirical Inquiry (Routledge, 1997).
S. Fuller, 'From Content to Context: A Social Epistemology of the Structure-Agency Craze', in A. Sica, What is Social Theory? (Oxford: Blackwell, 1998). esp. pp.92-3 & 98-115.
Gamble et al, Marxism & Social Science (Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1999).
A. Giddens, Central Problems of Social Theory (London: Macmillan, 1979).
A. Giddens, Politics, Sociology and Social Theory: Encounters with Classical & Contemporary Social Thought (Cambridge: Polity, 1995).
Colin Gordon, ed., Power/Knowledge: Selected Interviews and Other Writings, 1972-77 (Harvester 1981).
A. Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks (London, Lawrence & Wishart, 1998).
J. Habermas, Knowledge and Human Interests (London: Heinemann, 1972).
Martyn Hammersley, Social Research: Philosophy, Politics and Practice (Sage Publishers, 1992).
Colin Hay et al., The State: Theories and Issues (Palgrave, 2006).
Alan How, Critical Theory (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2002).
David Howarth, Discourse (Buckingham: Open University Press, 2000).
Fred Inglis, Cultural Studies (Oxford: Blackwell, 1994).
Jonathan Joseph, Marxism and Social Theory (Palgrave, 2006).
Stephen Kalberg, Max Weber's Comparative Historical Sociology (Chicago & London: University of Chicago Press, 1994).
T. S. Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (Chicago, IL: Chicago University Press, 3rd ed. 1996).
Ernesto Laclau, Emancipation(s) (London & New York: Verso, 1996).
James Mahoney and Dietrich Rueschemeyer, Comparative Historical Analysis in the Social Sciences (Cambridge & New York: CUP, 2006).
David Marsh et al. eds., Post-War British Politics in Perspective (Cambridge: Polity Press, 1999). Kristen Renwick Monroe, ed., Contemporary Empirical Political Theory (Berkeley & London: University of California Press, 1997).
Eleonora Montuschi, The Objects of Social Science (London & New York: Continuum, 2003).
Heikki Patomaki, After International Relations: Critical Realism and the (Re)construction of World Politics (London: Routledge, 2001).
Guy Peters, Comparative Politics: Theory and Methods (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 1998).
Paul Pierson, Politics in Time: History, Institutions and Social Analysis (Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2004)
Jonathan Potter, Representing Reality: Discourse, Rhetoric and Social Construction (London: sage, 2005).
Paul Rabinow, ed., The Foucault Reader (New York: Pantheon Books, 1984).
William G. Roy, Making Societies (Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press, 2001).
Mark Rupert & Hazel Smith, Historical Materialism & Globalisation (London & New York: Routledge, 2002).
Andrew Sayer, Methods in Social Science: A Realist Approach (London: Routledge, 2002).
Andrew Sayer, Realism and Social Science (London & Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2000)
J. Schwarzmantel, The Age of Ideology (London: Macmillan, 1998).
John Searle, The Construction of Social Reality (Penguin, 1995).
Ian Shapiro, et al, eds., Problems and Methods in the Study of Politics (Cambridge University Press, 2004).
S. Smith, K. Booth & M. Zalewski (eds.), International Theory: Positivism and Beyond (Cambridge, CUP, 1996).
Arthur Stinchcombe, Constructing Social Theories (Chicago & London: Chicago university Press, 1987).
B. Sztompka, The Sociology of Social Change (Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1994), Chapters13-15.
Immanuel Wallerstein, The Uncertainties of Knowledge ( Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2004).
Nigel Warburton, Philosophy: The Basics, (Rouledge,1999).
Nigel Warburton, ed., Philosophy: Basic Readings. (Routledge1999).
Nigel Warburton, Philosophy: The Classics. (Routledge, 1998).
Margaret Wetherell et al, Discourse Theory and Practice: A Reader (Sage Publications, 2007).
Margaret Wetherell, Discourse as Data: A Guide for Analysis (Sage Publications, 2001).
Ruth Wodak, Methods of Critical Discourse Analysis (Sage Pub
Colin Wright, Agents, Structures and International Relations: Politics as Ontology (Cambridge University Press, 2006).
Olin Erik Wright, Approaches to Class Analysis (Cambridge University Press, 2005).
Periodical References:
Political Science Quarterly; Review of International Studies; Thesis Eleven (Critical Theory & Historical Sociology); Politics & Society; Political Theory; Philosophy & Social Criticism; Journal of Theoretical Politics; Field Methods; Critical Social Policy; Cross-Cultural Research; Comparative Political Studies.
WWW References:
http://www.allpolitics.com
http://www.ditext.com/clay/know.html
http://plato.stanford.edu/
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