**Topic can also be expanded upon = why do people choose to study international relations? What research exists on this topic?
NOTE: Material from the class will be uploaded in files to aid in paper construction
The research design paper (10 pages) should draw on all the material from the class as well as your knowledge of an interest in researching a substantive international affairs topic. This paper will be due during the exam period. This research design can be qualitative, quantitative, or both. You will: – Develop an international relations research question – Locate the question in the context of relevant literature (i.e. discuss the importance of the question for theory and policy) – Review the relevant literature on the topic – Outline a strategy for answering this question by addressing the following issues:
• Operationalize the dependent variable
• Develop a series of alternative explanations for the outcome
• Specify the sort of evidence that will enable you to choose between those alternative explanations
