Research Methods and Formal Theory

The quantitative methods sequence prepares students to conduct empirical research in political science and provides an introduction to the skills necessary to be a political methodologist. Political Science is an increasingly empirical and quantitative discipline that relies on a wide variety of data sources and strategies for learning about the political world. To engage with the increasingly large methodological literature in political science and across the social sciences requires competency in programming, research design, statistics, and data science.

The quantitative methods training is intended to help students develop core competencies across all four critical areas of data research. It also serves as an introduction to more advanced classes in the department and across the university. Students who complete our core sequence will be well prepared to do quantitative political science research, complete the quantitative methods preliminary exam, and ready to start the more advanced coursework necessary to become political methodologists. Students interested in doing primarily qualitative work or political theory are encouraged to take courses in the quantitative methods sequence. The skills taught in the course will be useful in their own research and empower the students to read (and critique!) empirical political science.

Students interested in taking the quantitative methods exam will be required to take the entire quantitative methods sequence with exceptions made sparingly and only with a formal application to members of the quantitative methods group. That sequence is as follows.

Introductory Math Camp (Offered at End of Summer)
A brief (re)introduction to basic mathematical concepts and computing skills.

43401 Mathematical Foundations of Political Methodology
Introduction to Mathematical and Probabilistic tools for doing formal and quantitative
political science. Students are introduced to the R programming language.

30700 Introduction to Linear Regression
Introduction to the linear model, the workhorse tool in quantitative political science
research. Students continue development of their R programming skills.

30600 Causal Inference
Introduction to the statistics causal inference literature. Topics include: potential
outcomes, experimental methods, and research design for observational data.

43100 Maximum Likelihood (Model Based Inference)
Analysis of choice-based models, counts, sequences, duration, proportions, and latent
variables

43502 Machine Learning
Introduction to advanced models for prediction and data compression. Students are
introduced and use the Python programming language.

Once students complete the core sequence they are encouraged to take more advanced courses offered within the department and across the university. Please consult the methods group for more information about the courses.

42120 Bayesian Inference in Political Science (staff, currently not offered)

43200 Advanced Maximum Likelihood (Brehm)
Coverage varies; topics to be drawn from truncated and censored data,
hierarchical models, measurement theory, introduction to Bayesian
inference (PQ: PLSC 43100).

43410 Introduction to Multilevel Modeling (staff, currently not offered; see SOCI 30012)
Analysis of complex interaction and classification within the clustered data.

Please also see the section below on superb offerings in advanced methods in other departments at the University of Chicago.

Note: PLSC 30500, Introduction to Research Design, is required of all students in their first year, Additionally, the department strongly encourages students to take the Social Sciences Division’s math camp offered in the weeks prior to the Autumn Quarter.

The quantitative methods qualifying exam is offered annually at the beginning of the Fall term. Students who do not pass during the September exam date will be given the opportunity for a retake in December of the same year.

Within the department, students are expected to complete the three-course methods sequence:

1. PLSC 30500: Introduction to Quantitative Social Science
2. PLSC 30600: Causal Inference
3. PLSC 30700: Estimation I (formerly Linear Models) PLSC 30700

And at least 2 courses in the second year from the following list:

• PLSC 33556: Learning from Data
• PLSC 40601: Advanced Topics in Causal Inference
• PLSC 48110: Lab and Field Experiments in Comparative Politics and Policy
• PLSC 43100: Maximum Likelihood
• PLSC 40502: Estimation II

We encourage students to consult with the methods group when choosing these additional courses. Exemptions to these requirements may be granted in exceptional circumstances.

The methods exam will take place in two parts. The first part is a closed-book exam that will test core concepts in statistics. The second is an open book exam that will be completed using a computer and will test data analysis skills. Both exams will take place on the same day. The closed-book exam will run from 9am to 12 pm. Students will be given a one-hour break and then will take the open book portion from 1pm to 5pm.

The formal theory sequence prepares students to develop and analyze rigorous analytical social science theories. It provides the basic analytical skills required in formal political theory and political economy. Formal theories serve as the foundation of all empirical political science: precisely and reliably interpreting data and empirical relationships requires a coherent theoretical framework. When properly employed, formal methods ensure the logical coherence of theoretical assumptions and conclusions.

Training in the formal theory field within the department is centered on a three-course sequence composed of two quarters of game theory (30901 & 31000) and one quarter of social choice theory (40801). As a whole, these courses cover the basic tools and concepts of formal political theory and prepare students for more advanced classes in the department and across the university.

Introductory Courses

30901 Game Theory I (Nalepa/Patty)
Introduction to static and dynamic games of complete information, including the coverage
of two basic solution concepts (Nash, SPE) (PQ: PLSC 30100, when offered).

31000 Game Theory II (Nalepa/Patty)
Intermediate game theory focusing on games of incomplete information
(PQ: PLSC 30901).

40801 Social Choice (Penn)
Introduction to axiomatic choice, preference aggregation, and core existence.

Optional Courses

PLSC 40200 Stochastic Models of Social Processes (Padgett)
Dynamic, probabilistic models for public opinion, learning, mobility, etc. (PQ: statistics course).

PLSC 35801 Formal Models in Comparative Politics (Nalepa)
Newly published or still in press papers in Comparative Politics that employ formal
modeling, including models of state-building, authoritarianism, regime change, corruption
& clientelism (PQ: PLSC 30901 & 31000).

PPHA 42310 The Political Economy of Development (Robinson)
Introduction for Ph.D. students to the research literature in the political economy of
development.

ECON 36101 Economic Models of Politics (Myerson & van Weelden)
Introduction to current research in political economics.

PLSC 40815 New Directions in Formal Theory (Penn)
Survey of recent research in formal political theory. Topics include models of institutions,
groups, and behavior, spanning American politics, comparative politics, and international
relations. Tools include game theory, network analysis, simulation, axiomatic choice
theory, and optimization theory.

Students wishing to take the formal theory exam must complete the three-course sequence composed of 30901, 31000, and 40801 and one additional course in formal political theory or political economy. Any student who has satisfied this requirement can take the field exam in Formal Theory.

The classes listed in this document automatically count for the fourth course requirement. Other courses may count as well. Offerings change annually, so students are advised to ask the formal theory faculty (Nalepa, Patty, and Penn) regarding whether an unlisted course satisfies the requirement and/or suggestions about other courses.

The formal theory exam will consist of a closed book, closed notes exam running from 9am to 5pm on a single day. A typical exam will consist of one question corresponding to each of the three required courses. Passing the exam will require mastery of the material in all three of the required introductory courses.