Research Methods

The purposes of this course are to provide students with useful tools for engaging in empirical research in the social sciences and to help students understand literature that uses a range of research methods. Students will learn how to think about theoretical problems in terms of empirical models – theory, hypothesis testing, data collection, presentation of research, and reading and writing research papers.

The learning objectives for the course are:

1. Identify and evaluate scholarship on conflict resolution and mediation.
2. Design an individual research project, matching theory with the appropriate research methodology.
3. Obtain and evaluate information relevant to the execution of a research project.
4. Present findings from a research project.

While challenging, this class is crucial for the ability of students not only to read scholarship about conflict resolution and mediation but also to produce their own research in this field. It would greatly facilitate their ability to write strong papers in the program and eventually will be conducive to producing better theses, for students electing to take the thesis track.