The Research Process: Data collection and analysis Centre for Studies in Democratisation Module PO233 Module PO233 "Core Issues in Comparative Politics" Dr. Elena Piffero, CSD Research Fellow

Data collection and analysis: what for? Knowing & feeling comfortable with latest theories, debates, explanations - “the state of the art” - Literature Review Keeping updated “from the field” - what's going on (elections, party life, reforms...) Centre for Studies in Democratisation

Which data? Direct, “raw” data (interviews, participant observation, monitoring and evaluation, etc.) Fieldwork Primary sources (first-hand accounts created by the witnesses or first recorders of the events at about the time they occurred) (New) media: Diaries, letters, videos, photographs, creative works, financial records, newspaper articles* (not columns/analysis)... Secondary sources (information created later by someone who did not experience first-hand or participate in the events ) Literature: Journal articles, books, reports, working papers... Centre for Studies in Democratisation

How to search - 1 1) Scanning/update *build yourself list of sources (newspapers, journals) for your topic *periodically check for relevant pieces of information 1) Use the references * academic articles and monographs provide useful “reading suggestions” Centre for Studies in Democratisation

How to search - 2 3) Skimming (keywords, author...) *make the most of search engines! Google Scholar, Google Advanced Search (format, domain...) 4) Digests and newsletters * Portuguese Institute of International Relations and Security (IPRIS) * International Crisis Group * e.g. Arab Reform Bullettin: Centre for Studies in Democratisation

Data analysis: how - 1 Ranking: From more to less recent* Filters * Author / journal / newspaper * Which point of view / ideological background? * Where is the focus? What is the main idea? Is it “original”? * Which approach / methodology? Is information verifiable / verified? *Which questions are left open? Centre for Studies in Democratisation

Data analysis: how - 2 Keep a record – systematize: Abstract, Keywords, Annotations, “Ranking” It is not a waste of time!! * Useful when amount of information grows * Avoid “Where have I read it?” * Develop your “Research Skills” Centre for Studies in Democratisation

There is a huge amount of “already processed” information available to everyone BUT information “digested” by someone else is not as rich of inputs as the one you digest yourself! Centre for Studies in Democratisation

Data collection and analysis: use CSD resources! Internet as a source of data but also as an easily accessible “storage” place Cumulative knowledge Space for debate and development of ideas Visibility for “works in progress” → Guided development of research skills! Centre for Studies in Democratisation