Research Design & Method Selection

Since 2012 Diana Panke is Professor of Political Science and holds the Chair in ‘Multi-Level Governance’ at the University of Freiburg. Previously she worked at the University College Dublin, the Free University Berlin and the University of Heidelberg. She specialized in International Relations, Comparative Regionalism, and Social Science Research Methods. Her research interests include international negotiations, small states in international affairs, multilateral diplomacy, international norms, the design of international institutions, European Union politics as well as compliance and legalization. In these fields, she has published journal articles in a variety of outlets such as Review of International Organizations, International Political Science Review, European Journal of International Relations, British Journal of Politics and International Relations, Comparative Political Studies, Cooperation and Conflict, Journal of Common Market Studies, Journal of European Public Policy, Journal of European Integration, International Relations, or International Politics. Her books have appeared with Palgrave, ECPR Press, Manchester University Press, and Ashgate.

• Chapter 1: Introduction: the Basics of Social Science Research DesignsDeductive and inductive researchExplanatory and interpretative research designsDeductive, explanatory research designs and their core componentsResearch design choices: x-centered and y-centered projectsQuality criteria for social science researchChapter 2: Detecting Puzzles and Selecting Good Research QuestionsResearch questions’ essentialsHow to find empirical puzzles and select a good explanatory research questionFeasibilityHow to make choices: selecting good research questionsChapter 3: Working with TheoriesWhy do we need theories for explanatory social science projects?Selecting theories: how many and which ones do we need?Working with theories: how to develop and select hypotheses?Making choices: which and how many theories and hypotheses to use?Chapter 4: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed-Method Projects—How to Make the ChoiceAdvantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative projectsMixed-method combinations: Advantages and challengesQualitative, quantitative and mixed-method projects – How to make a choice?Chapter 5: How to Select CasesWhat is a case?Case selection: An essential task for comparative researchHow many and which cases should be selected?Making choices: How to select cases?Chapter 6: Making Choices between Methods of Data CollectionThe measurement of variablesOverview of data sources and methods of data collectionDatabases and compendiumsPrimary Sources: DocumentsInterviewsSurveys and questionnairesFocus groupsParticipant observationThe importance of triangulationThe importance of data managementSummary – Choices on data collectionChapter 7: Making Choices between Qualitative Methods of Data AnalysisTypes of Comparisons in Qualitative Case StudiesProcess-tracingSummary: Choosing between methods of qualitative analysisChapter 8: Making Choices between Quantitative Methods of Data AnalysisDetecting variable types and describing variablesChoosing between linear and logistic regression analysisChoosing between advanced methods of quantitative data analysisChapter 9: Making Choices in Writing and Sharing ResearchWriting techniquesDisseminating research outputs

This text provides user friendly illustrations, exercises and practical research tips. It consolidates understanding by simplifying what can, at times, be deemed as complex methodological issues.