Quantitative Research in PA

The course is structured around five main modules: (1) Introduction to the logic of empirical quantitative research in Public Administration, (2) Research design and hypotheses formulation, (3) Data collection techniques in quantitative research (e.g., survey, experiments), (4) Statistical analysis methods (e.g., descriptive statistics, correlations, regressions), (5) Interpretation and presentation of quantitative research findings. 

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the connection between research questions, methodological choices, and empirical results.

This course provides students with the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary to design and carry out empirical quantitative research in Public Administration. Students will engage with key quantitative methodological approaches by critically analysing scholarly studies and developing their own research project.

In presence

The course combines lectures to introduce students to foundational concepts and key literature, with interactive components such as the critical review of existing studies, hands-on exercises, and presentations from guest speakers. Several sessions will also be dedicated to individual or group work aimed at supporting the development of students' research projects.

The final grade is composed of:

• Two quizzes testing the knowledge of core theoretical concepts in quantitative research (30%).
• The preparation of an individual written quantitative research project to be discussed during an oral exam  (70%).