Research Methodology

Recommended Prerequisites

n.a.

Teaching Methods

Methodologies used in the course unit are directed to the identification of the issues to be considered in drawing up a research project. This is complemented with the presentation of different techniques of collection and treatment of information. Four of the six modules assume a practical nature – they are taught in the computer lab, allowing students to practice each of the statistical techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Research Methodology (RM) course unit was designed in the academic year 2011/2012 as a Laboratory of Methods. It aims to provide students with methodological tools that enable them to develop research processes in MAF’s strategic areas. Students should be able to design the methodology of an individual research project, identifying the appropriate methods and techniques to respond to the proposed objectives.

On the one hand, it is intended to identify the main issues and elements to be considered in the drawing up of a research project and, on the other hand, to present different techniques of collection and treatment of information.

The course unit offers a flexible structure regarding learning content, allowing students to select the subjects they wish to work and study in depth on the basis of previously acquired knowledge and their goals in terms of future research projects.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Databases and literature review: Identification, referencing and use of sources; Research parameters; Writing texts.

Research project: Subject selection; Analytical and observation field.

Introduction to SPSS: Variables and data; Creating and handling databases; Univariate and bivariate analysis.

Interview: Types; Drawing up the interview guide; Interviewer/interviewee relationship; Conducting the interview;

Handling information.

Questionnaire survey: Analysis model and plan; Variables and indicators; Questions; Language.

Cluster analysis: Multivariate techniques, variables and application.

Factorial Analysis.

Content analysis: Selection of documents and composition of the corpus of analysis; Constructing categories and coding systems; Classification of information and control of consistency and accuracy; Description and interpretation of information.

Documentary analysis: Concept and relevance in research; Secondary analysis of quantitative data and documents.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Maria Correia Cruz

Assessment Methods

Continuous
Completion of 4 practical works: 40.0%
Final work: 60.0%

Bibliography

BARDIN, L. (2009), Análise de Conteúdo. Edições 70.

Bryman, A. e Cramer, D. (2003), Análise de dados em ciências sociais: introdução às técnicas utilizando o SPSS para

Windows, Celta.

Bryman, A.; Bell, E. (2007), Business Research Methods, 2ª ed., Oxford University Press

Foddy, W. (1996), Como Perguntar? Teoria e Prática da construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários, Celta.

Ghiglione, R.; Matalon, B. (1992), O inquérito: teoria e prática. Celta.

HAIR, J., ANDERSON, R., TATHAM, R. & BLACK, W. (2006) Multivariate data analysis with readings, Prentice Hall.

Hill, M.; Hill, A. (2002), Investigação por questionário. Sílabo.

KRippendorf, Kl. (2004), Content Analyses. An Introduction to Its Methodology, Sage Publications.

Maroco, J. (2010), Análise estatística com utilização do SPSS. Edições Sílabo.

Neuendorf, K. A. (2002), The content analysis guidebook. Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications.

Reis, F. Lopes dos (2010), Como elaborar uma dissertação de Mestrado, Pactor.