1 Today’s tasks:

Based on your question, get the main topics of your question and use a literature database and tools such as Elicit to get an initial grasp of your topic.

1.1 Find 5 relevant sources

Using the library’s databases or tools like Elicit and start answering some of the questions from last week (How, Who, Where, Why, When).

Some other questions to think about…

  • What research is there on your topic?
  • What are the main arguments?
  • What are the main counterarguments?
  • What methods do these papers use?
  • What data do they use?



1.2 Set up your reference manager

Try using either the word reference manager, Mendeley or Zotero. If you are already using a reference manager, keep going.



1.3 Work on the brief description

You are more than ready to start working on your brief description.

Think about:

  1. Context & Background – A short introduction to the topic, including key issues, historical developments, or recent trends.

  2. Significance of the Topic – Explanation of why this topic is important in your field. This could include its academic relevance, policy implications, or real-world significance.

  3. Knowledge Gap – what does existing research lack or fail to address, highlighting why your study is necessary.

  4. Relevance to the Research Question – A connection between the topic background and the specific research question you will investigate.



1.4 Methodologies



Method Description Example Strengths Limitations
Case Study Analysis In-depth examination of a single case to understand broader political dynamics. Studying the Cuban Missile Crisis to analyze deterrence theory. Provides detailed contextual understanding. Findings may not be generalizable.
Process Tracing Tracing causal mechanisms between variables by analyzing sequences of events. Analyzing how NATO’s intervention shaped the Kosovo conflict. Helps establish causality in complex cases. Requires detailed data that may not always be available.
Discourse Analysis Examining language, narratives, and meaning in political texts and speeches. Analyzing UN speeches to study climate change rhetoric. Uncovers hidden power structures in communication. Interpretations can be subjective.
Interviews Collecting qualitative data through structured, semi-structured, or unstructured conversations. Interviewing policymakers on international trade agreements. Provides direct insights from experts and participants. Can be time-consuming and prone to bias.
Ethnography Immersive fieldwork studying political actors and institutions in their natural settings. Observing diplomatic negotiations at the UN. Offers deep, first-hand understanding of political behavior. Access to key actors may be limited.
Archival Research Analyzing historical documents, official records, and government archives. Using declassified CIA documents to study Cold War strategies. Provides rich historical context. Documents may be incomplete or classified.
Comparative Analysis Comparing multiple cases to identify patterns and differences. Studying democratic transitions in Latin America vs. Eastern Europe. Helps generate broader insights beyond a single case. Requires careful case selection to avoid bias.