Quantitative and Qualitative Research in PA

Outline: The course is divided into five sections: (1) Introduction to the logic of empirical research in Public Administration (PA) (2) Steps for designing and implementing a research study, and collecting data, (3) Main data collection methods in quantitative and qualitative research in PA, (4) Main data analysis methods in quantitative and qualitative research in PA, (5) Ways of presenting research results.

The aim of this course is to provide students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills for designing and implementing research projects. Students are expected to engage closely with different methodological approaches by reviewing scholarly studies but also developing an independent research project.

In presence

The course will be primarily structured in a lecture format, familiarizing students with the key literature and methodological approaches. The course will also include critical discussions of the research design of selected articles featuring specific methodological approaches.

The material and PDF presentation of each class will be updated on iCorsi before the beginning of the class.
Questions and doubts related to the course and classes will be answered during classes, via email, or through the iCorsi platform.

The final grade will consist of evaluating periodic quizzes on the main features of empirical research (30%), and the oral presentation of a research project (70%).