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79418-01 - Seminar: Survey Research in Political Science (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers |
Stefanie Bailer (stefanie.bailer@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Sophie Suda (sophie.suda@unibas.ch) |
| Content | This seminar introduces students to survey research in political science. Focusing on key methodological challenges—including sampling, question wording, answer formats, and the measurement of sensitive topics—students learn how survey design shapes empirical findings. Through group work and practical exercises, the seminar emphasizes the development of novel survey instruments and improved measurement strategies. |
| Learning objectives | - Assess the strengths and limitations of survey questions with regard to validity, reliability, and cross-national comparability. - Analyze how survey design choices (e.g., wording, answer categories, context) influence empirical findings. - Apply principles of good survey design to develop and justify their own survey questions or measurement strategies. |
| Bibliography | Eichhorn, Jan ( 2022) Survey Research and Sampling Fowler, Floyd J (2013) Survey Research Methods Stantcheva, S. (2023). How to run surveys: A guide to creating your own identifying variation and revealing the invisible. Annual Review of Economics, 15(1), 205-234. |
| Comments | Advanced BA 5th & 6th semesters onwards, MA students All Seminars will be graded in the Department of Political Science. Grading scale 6.0 to 1.0, whereupon 4.0 is a pass. The number of participants is limited. The places are assigned according to date of enrollment and subject of study. Priority will be given to students of Political Science. |
| Admission requirements | - successful participation of "Introduction to Quantitative Methods" |
| Course application | Advanced BA 5th & 6th semesters onwards MA students |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Friday | 13.15-15.45 | Bernoullistrasse 14/16, Seminarraum 02.004 |
Dates
| Modules |
Module: Extension Political Science (Bachelor's degree subject: Political Science) Module: Extension Social Sciences (Master's degree subject: Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict) Module: Extension Social Sciences BA (Bachelor's degree subject: Political Science) Module: Inequality, Power, Conflict (Master's degree subject: Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict) Module: Methods for Analyzing Changing Societies (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources (Start of studies before 01.08.2026)) Module: Sustainable Societies: Inequality, Power, Conflict (Master's degree program: Changing Societies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | - active participation - assignments handed out during the seminar |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Politikwissenschaft |