Formal Theory and Methodology

The methods field at Berkeley includes three areas:

1. Data analysis and statistical methods such as the general linear model, advanced econometric and psychometric methods, aggregate data analysis, and time-series and cross-sectional approaches.

2. Formal theory including rational choice and public choice perspectives, game theoretic models of politics, spatial models of party competition and legislative behavior, differential equation models, and other approaches to formal, deductive modeling of political phenomena.

3. Research design including experiments, quasi-experiments, and case study methods; the logic of inquiry including the history and philosophy of social science; and data collection methods including telephone and in-person interviews, participant observation, and historical research.

The core and advanced courses in these three areas are offered regularly, enabling students to achieve the level of training needed to conduct their research. Methods courses draw examples from all areas of political science including comparative politics, international relations, American politics, and political theory.

View Berkeley's recent publications in Formal Theory and Methodology

Professors with special interests in this field: