PSCI 500 Scientific Inquiry and Research Design

This course introduces students to the philosophy of social science and the basic principles of the scientific method. Students will also examine various research tools and methodologies commonly employed in political science.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Each student of politics must be able to evaluate conflicting arguments and ideas. This course will introduce the student to the philosophy of social science and the basic principles of the scientific method. The student will be introduced to the tools necessary to both critically analyze the work of others and design original, quality research.  

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 750-1,000 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250-350 words. For each thread, the student must support his or her assertions with relevant scholarly citations in APA format. Each reply must incorporate all relevant Learn items.

Research Paper

The student will write a 1,250–1,500-word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on contributing to the academic literature by writing a brief literature review and developing an original research question. The paper must include at least 8 references from scholarly, academic sources. 

Research Paper

The student will write a 750–1,500-word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on developing his or her research theory, hypothesis, and variables. The paper must include at least 3 references in addition to the course textbook.

Research Paper

The student will write a 2,500–3,500-word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on compiling a research design project. The paper must include at least 8 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned Module(s): Week(s). Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 6-8 short-answer questions, and have a 75 minute time limit.