Methods and Techniques of Research in Education and Training

Objectives

1. To deepen the principles underlying the development of the research behaviour.
2. To increase the development of reflexive and collaborative skills in research.
3. To promote the development of skills in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data.
4. To promote the use of computers in data analysis.

Program

1. Quantitative Data Analysis
1.1. Construction and manipulation of databases
1.2. Univariate data description
1.3. Contingency tables
1.4. Associations between variables
1.5. Comparisons between groups
1.6. Construction of scales and reliability analysis
1.7. Principal component analysis
1.8. Multiple correspondence analysis

1.9 Cluster analysis
2. Qualitative data analysis
2.1. Perspectives and types of content analysis
2.2. Unit of analysis and categories system
2.3. Validity and reliability
2.4. Steps and operations of the content analysis
2.5. Computer programs and practical application

Teaching Methodologies

The content units of the syllabus are built on different methods of teaching-learning, the lecture method, through theoretical systematization and exemplification of different techniques under study, by the teacher; the animation of sessions in class by groups of students, for presentations; individual and group work, with computer use for training and application of skills learned in class.

The evaluation will be based on two types of distinct elements, a team work and an individual assessment test:

1) the team work will consist in a critical analysis of a master thesis, focusing on production strategies and data analysis, within the frame of the dissertation goals.

2) The individual assessment test consists in exercises of quantitative data analysis using the computer.

Bibliography

Bardin, L. (1995). Análise de conteúdo. Lisboa: Edições 70.
Bryman, A., & Cramer, D. (1993). Análise de dados em ciências sociais: introdução às técnicas utilizando o SPSS. Oeiras: Celta.
Carvalho, H. (2008). Análise multivariada de dados qualitativos: Utilização da análise de correspondências múltiplas com SPSS. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.

Guerra, I. (2006), Pesquisa qualitativa e análise de conteúdo. Sentidos e formas. Estoril: Editorail Principia.
Hill, M. M., & Hill, A. (2000). Investigação por questionário. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
Laureano, R. (2011). Testes de hipóteses com o SPSS. O meu manual de consulta rápida. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
Lima, J. A., & Pacheco, J. A. (2006). Fazer investigação. Porto: Porto Editora.
Pereira, A. (1999). Guia prático de utilização do SPSS: análise de dados para ciências sociais e Psicologia. Lisboa: Sílabo.
Pestana, M. H., & J. N. Gageiro (2005). Análise de Dados para Ciências Sociais: A Complementaridade do SPSS. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.