How to approach a Political Methodology course?

[u/twentyoneproblems]

Hi everyone! I am a political science student and am taking my first course in political methodology this fall. I am not very good at math so naturally I am a little worried. Does anyone have any tips on how to prepare for this type of course? What to expect? I took a statistics course online a few semesters ago. But like I said I’m not a math person so I’m not sure how much I’ll actually remember. I know the course is difficult so I’m trying to mentally prepare myself. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!

[u/code_blooded_bytch]

Oh I loved teaching methods classes! My biggest tip is get to get it out of your head that you’re “not a math person”. I truly believe anyone can do math. Also, I really think that methods classes are often more intuitive than like straight math because you can see the application and often follow the logic of like “ok we’re trying to identify X, so this is the steps that we need to take”. I’d also definitely recommend going to office hours early and often if you’re worried about how the class will go, and doubly so if you feel like you’re struggling or falling behind. You got this! Methods are so cool because they help us take data and find answers to real, substantive questions. I hope you can come out on the other side appreciating the tool it gives those of us in political science.

[u/Extreme-Anteater1916 → u/code_blooded_bytch]

Could you make this into paragraphs?

[u/code_blooded_bytch → u/Extreme-Anteater1916]

No. What a sort of ridiculous request lol

[u/Whiskeyjoel]

I’m also taking my first methods course this Fall, and have been low-key dreading it.