MODULE 4: Qualitative Methods
in IR. Research - Dr John Doyle
Module Aims:
This module will introduce students to the most common qualitative techniques
used in research in politics and IR. and to the necessity for equal rigour
in their work whether using quantitative or qualitative techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will · be in a position to choose
which qualitative approaches are most appropriate for their own research
project· have conducted a short exercise in different qualitative
techniques
Indicative Syllabus:
- Introduction:
- Qualitative techniques - concept formation, rigour and analysis
- Document Analysis – authenticity, credulity, representativeness
and meaning
- Process tracing – analysing decision making and policy outcomes
- Archival Research and historical analysis
- Introduction to sources of historical data – online and physical
- Historical analysis and technique
- Content Analysis - Introduction to coding, framing and analysis
- Discourse analysis -. Introduction to different approaches
- Interviews
- When are they appropriate
- Pros and cons of oral data collection
Assessment:
- Critique of methodological approach of supplied articles 50%
- Outline of qualitative technique suitable for us on their research topic
50%
Indicative Reading List
Topic specific material will be circulated for each class. Good introductory
texts are:
- Henry Brady and David Collier eds., Rethinking Social Inquiry: Diverse
Tools, Shared Standards (Lanhan: Rowman and Littlefield, 2004).
- Alexander George and Andrew Bennett eds., Case Studies and the Development
of Theory in the Social Sciences (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2005).
- Jean Garrison, et. al. “Reflection, Evaluation, Integration:
Foreign Policy Analysis in 20/20: A Symposium,” International Studies
Review, 5:2, June 2003, pp. 155-202.
- David Collier, "Translating Quantitative Methods for Qualitative
Researchers: The Case of Selection Bias;"
- Ronald Rogowski, "The Role of Theory and Anomaly in Social Scientific
Inference;"
- Sidney Tarrow, "Bridging the Quantitative-Qualitative Divide in
Political Science," in American Political Science Review vol. 89
no. 2 (June, 1995) pp. 461-474.
- Jervis, “Complexity and the Analysis of Political and Social
Life,” Political Science Quarterly Winter 1997/98, pp. 569-594.
