Introduction to Research Design and Practice

This course will introduce the students to the main steps of research design in social sciences, from the formulation of the research question until case selection and choice of methods. It explores how to identify the empirical phenomenon of interest, how to do a systematic literature review, what makes for a good research question, how to elaborate testable hypotheses and advance theory, and ways to justify the choice of cases and methods. The course will draw on relevant literature, provide concrete examples, and offers room for discussion and exchange. On the second day, there will be time reserved for students to present and discuss their own research. 

Dates

The course takes place online on 2 and 3 December 2021, on the first day from 10am to 5pm and on the second day from 10am to 4pm.

About the lecturer 

Edalina Rodrigues Sanches is Assistant Professor at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal. Her research interests comprise democratization, popular protest, constituency service, political institutions, elections, political parties and party systems, with a focus on Africa. 

*Please note that the registration period has closed.