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860-0034-00L 4 Credits MSC D-GESS

Assessing Political Feasibility of Policies - Public Opinion Research, Survey and Field Experiments

Lecturers: Dr. Jan Freihardt, Dr. E. Keith Smith, Ella Henninger
Examiners: Dr. E. Keith Smith, Dr. Sarah Gomm
Priority for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and PhD students.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:42

Abstract

This course teaches the basics of public opinion surveys. We start with the theoretical foundations of the formation of (public) opinion formation and ideology, then turn to the practical lessons of developing and implementing own surveys with a focus on causal inference via survey experiments. Finally, we give practical insights into the analysis of (complex) survey data.

Objective

The goals of this class are: - to understand the basics of public opinion research - to translate this theoretical knowledge into the practical design and implementation of surveys - to make use of survey experiments for causal inference At the end of the course, students should be able to use and evaluate public opinion data and design survey experiments to test policy-relevant questions.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Written mid-term exam and group project

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
18.02.2026

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Assessing Political Feasibility of Policies - Public Opinion Research, Survey and Field Experiments
  • Mon 14:15-16:00 (IFW C 33)
2 h weekly

Offered In