Training Future Political Scientists: Reflections from an Undergraduate Research Methods Course

Abstract

This article, co-authored by an instructor and a student of a research design and methods course at a liberal arts college, outlines key lessons learned by both instructor and student as the course progresses. Building on past scholarly writings about the teaching of research methods to undergraduates in political science and other social science disciplines, this paper continues the discussion about good practice in teaching research methods to social science undergraduates. We aim to narrow the gap between teacher and student, and to invigorate debate among instructors of undergraduate research methods about the need for innovative teaching and practice in such courses. Finally, we include recommendations for sustaining student interest in research methods, and for making research design and methods relevant to non-political science majors who might have to take the course to fulfill academic requirements. This paper will be of interest to instructors of research methods and heads of social science departments, as well as potential students of such courses.