MVZ507 Internet Based Research

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2019
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Maya Higgins, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 16:00–17:40 U42
Prerequisites
Proficiency in English to an academic standard. Background in online survey tools (google forms, survey monkey etc.) is helpful but not required.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 12 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This seminar will develop an overview of concepts, methods and applications of Internet based research. Alongside a theoretical discussion, special attention is given to applying theoretic knowledge learned during the course in designing and conducing your own online surveys and analysing them (basic analysis only). The course is composed of three parts; The first part will focus on a theoretical understanding of core concepts of internet-based research, the background to challenges of conducting internet-based research, different sources of data online etc. Here, both the seminar instructor and the students will present and discuss various academic studies which are based on data acquired online. In the second part of the seminar, students will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired knowledge in designing and executing their own online surveys. Students will pursue their own individual research (basic) in various fields of interest. Students will be able to work on their surveys both in class and at home and will be continuously supported by the instructor in this process. In the third part of the course, online indices as data sources in academic research conducted in political science and international relations will be discussed in-depth. We will explore the most common indices seeking to measure and rank states’ political development and performance. We will assess their relative weaknesses and advantages and read multidisciplinary academic articles, utilizing such data. Though a partial list of such indices is offered, the students are highly encouraged to present indices other than those mentioned in the syllabus.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the seminar: • Students should acquire solid understanding of concepts central to the fields of internet-based research. • Students would get an overview of the most commonly used indices in research international relation and political science • Students should be able to use online indices in their own research. • Students would possess basic skills and competences to design, conduct and analyse data originated in the web.
Assessment methods
"A passing grade will be given to students based on 1. the quality of a presentation in class (of a research paper OR an online index), 2. a (end-term) research paper (8-10 pages) based on your own online survey research, 3. discussion leading and seminar participation. Presence is important; a maximum of 2-missed classes is tolerated. Any further absence would result in a failed grade. All three requirements are necessary to successfully pass the course”.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
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