American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC) invites early graduate and advanced undergraduate students to participate in a 2-day workshop on “Research Design and Research Methods in the Social Sciences” organized on May 17-18, 2019 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The workshop will be delivered by Eteri Tsintsadze-Maass, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Kentucky, and Richard Maass, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Evansville.
Co-sponsor: American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC), Ilia State University
Dates: 17-18 May 2019
Times: 9:00-3:00 (with lunch break)
Venue: 32 Chavchavadze Ave., Ilia State University, A Block, Room #A101
Working Language: English
Speakers: Eteri Tsintsadze-Maass and Richard Maass
The first day of the workshop aims to help research-oriented students develop their skills in research design, learning to ask interesting research questions, build convincing theories, and develop testable hypotheses through a combination of presentations, facilitated discussions, and interactive exercises. We will discuss the fundamentals of scientific research, dedicating special attention to the scientific method, inference, and transparency, as well as cover common barriers to conducting research in the social sciences and ways of overcoming them. This day will consist of four sections, focusing on (1) asking good research questions, (2) assembling thorough literature reviews, (3) building persuasive theories, and (4) formulating testable hypotheses. Throughout, our discussion will address core principles of research design including policy relevance, falsifiability, scholarly contributions, generalizability, and causal mechanisms.
The second day of the workshop aims to help participants understand the major methodological options available for testing hypotheses in the social sciences and to envision how those methods might be applied in their own research projects. Looking ahead to the writing of a senior thesis, master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various types of research methods and which types might be best suited to participants’ own research projects. This day will consist of three sections, focusing on (1) qualitative methods, (2) quantitative methods, and (3) mixed methods. While exploring specific research methods such as case study analysis, archival research, linear and logistic regression, and nested analysis, we will address core principles of research methods including case selection, correlation, statistical significance, and the validity and reliability of data.
Maximum number of participants: 20
Minimum requirements for eligibility:
- Represent a field in the social sciences
- Be an early graduate student or an advanced undergraduate student
- Have English-language proficiency
Applicants must submit the following set of documents:
- Application Form
- Statement of Interest in English. Please explain your specific interest in research design and research methods, as well as what you hope to get out of the workshop
- Short (2 page) CV in English with the contact details of one reference.
The applications must be submitted in one combined file (MS Word or PDF) no later than April 25, 2019 via following e-mail address: TbilisiResearchWorkshop@gmail.com
In the subject line of the e-mail, please indicate: “Workshop on Research Design and Research Methods.”
The successful applicants will be notified by April 30, 2019.
For additional details, please contact us via: TbilisiResearchWorkshop@gmail.com
The event is co-sponsored by American Research Institute for the South Caucasus (ARISC). ARISC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran.