IPSA-USP
Concepts, Methods and Techniques in
Political Science, Public Policy
and International Relations
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Faculty: Laron Williams, University of Missouri
Teaching Assistant: ——
This course provides students the tools needed to use cross-national sources of public opinion data (such as the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems and Latinobarometer) or assemble their own dataset from various sources. In order to analyze survey data across time and space, we first discuss proper procedures for harmonizing public opinion data so that the data are comparable across contexts.
We then discuss a variety of obstacles that are unique to the process of combining surveys (such as missing data, varying question wording, etc),
and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The course provides guidance as to how to analyze public opinion data across time and space, either collectively or via meta-analysis. On the last day we explore methods for presenting basic patterns and visualizing the sources of public opinion change over time and in different contexts.
Basic knowledge in research methods and introductory statistics.
