Description

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of research while also conveying the need for skepticism as the foundation of scientific inquiry. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be examined. Students will gain first-hand knowledge of the research process by formulating their own research questions, locating current literature to frame their topic, developing causal theories and then empirically testing these theories. With that in mind, the first goal of this course is for students to become critical consumers of research in general and peace and conflict research in particular. The second goal is for students to develop theories about peace and conflict and research designs to test those theories. Students are encouraged to use this course to develop their thesis or projects.