Experiments in Politcal Science - Detailseite

In recent years, the use of experimental methods—spanning lab, survey, and field experiments—has gained prominence in political science, driving substantial advancements in the field. This course focuses on methodological developments in experimentation by engaging with both canonical and state-of the-art examples of experimental research. It offers students a comprehensive foundation on best practices in designing and implementing effective lab, survey, and field experiments. Focusing on the intersection of theoretical rigor, research design and practical implementation, the course addresses the following key questions: When are experiments the optimal tool for answering research questions? How can experiments be crafted to test theoretical propositions effectively? And how can researchers navigate the unexpected challenges that arise during practical implementation? The curriculum covers essential methodological topics such as experimental design, random assignment, and measurement, along with practical considerations such as field implementation and data collection. Ultimately, students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of experimental research methodologies, equipping them with the foundational skills necessary to design and conduct experimental research addressing political science questions of their choice.

Students should have a working knowledge of quantitative research methods, and have willigness to engage with causal inference methods. The general language of communication is English.