Introduction to Social Research Methods and Techniques

Objectives

Main objective

To help students develop basic skills for designing and conducting social research.

 

Competencies:

1. To recognize the importance of research in addressing social and sociological issues;

2. To demonstrate awareness of the nature, stages and main procedures of the social research process;

3. To demonstrate reflexive capacity and habits of inquiry;

4. To recognize the ethical implications of the research process and to carefully plan research conduct at this level;

5. To properly apply  the lessons learned in the course, in concrete situations, through practical exercises and / or simulations;

6. To demonstrate the ability to work as a team.

Program

1. The nature of scientific knowledge

2. Sociological imagination and social research

3. Stages of the research process

4. Choice of the research theme and formulation of the research problem

5. Research objectives and questions

6. Development of the conceptual framework and procedures for referencing sources

7. Analytical model

8. Research paradigms and types of studies

9. Research designs

10. Main data collection tools: a brief introduction

11. Introduction to data analysis

12. Research ethics: methodological challenges and recommendations

13. Writing a scientific paper

Teaching Methodologies

Within the course, several complementary methodologies are used:

1. Small practical assignments developed by the students, in groups;

2. Presentation and discussion of course contents by the instructor, in a critical dialogue with the class;

3. Debate sessions;

4. individual and / or in group presentations, with discussions of students’ work on course topics.

Bibliography

Almeida, J. F., & Pinto, J. M. (1995). A investigação nas ciências sociais. Lisboa: Editorial Presença.
Anderson, G. (1990). Fundamentals of educational research. London: The Falmer Press.
Bell, J. (1997). Como realizar um projecto de investigação. Lisboa: Gradiva.
Ghiglione, R., & Matalon, B. (1992). O inquérito: teoria e prática. Oeiras: Celta Editora.
Hill, M. M., & Hill, A. (2000). Investigação por questionário. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
Lima, J. Á., & Pacheco, J. A. (2006). Fazer investigação. Porto: Porto Editora.
Marçal, D. (2014). Pseudociência. Lisboa: Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos.
Quivy, R., & Campenhoudt, L. V. (1992). Manual de investigação em ciências sociais. Lisboa: Gradiva.
Sampieri, R. H., Collado, C. F., & Lúcio, P. B. (2014). Metodologia de investigación (6.ª ed.). México: McGraw-Hill.
Silva, A. S., & Pinto, J. M. (Orgs.) (1986). Metodologia das ciências sociais. Porto: Afrontamento.