Research Methodology

Recommended Prerequisites

Be able to read in English.

Teaching Methods

This curricular unit offers a flexible structure regarding the learning contents, allowing the students to select the matters they wish to work with and deepen. The sessions are theoretical-practical and use, in general, teaching and knowledge application methods, oriented towards the identification of issues to be considered when developing a research project. The majority of the modules have an eminently practical character, and therefore are thought in computer labs, allowing the students to rehearse and apply each one of the tools that have learned.

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit is designed to work as a research methods laboratory. Starting from the presentation of the main research paradigms and perspective, as well as of several research strategies related to those, the main objective is to provide the students methodological instruments, which will allow them to develop research processes with the strategic areas of this MSc.

Accordingly, when complementing this curricular unit, students must, on the one hand, know to identify the main issues and elements to be considered in the preparation of a research project and, on the other hand, know to select and apply the appropriate methods and techniques, to gather and treat the information, so as to respond the proposed objectives for the research to be developed.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.Introduction to the research paradigms and perspectives: qualitative versus quantitative research.
2.Bibliographic data bases and literature reviews: Identification, quotation and utilization of sources; Research parameters; Texts preparation.
3.Research project: Selection of the topic; Field of analysis and observation.
4.Interview: Types; Guiding script construction; Relationship interviewer/interviewee; Leading the interview; Treating the information.
5.Qualitative analysis of data: Content analysis; Introduction to MAXQDA.
6.Questionnaire: Model of analysis and plan; Variables and indicators; Questions; Language.
7.Quantitative analysis of data – Introduction to SPSS: Variables and data: Creation and manipulation of databases; Univariate and bivariate analyses.
8.Quantitative analysis of data: Clusters analysis; Factorial analysis; Multivariate techniques, variables and application.
9.Quantitative analysis of data: Econometric regressions using computer softwares.

Head Lecturer(s)

Susana Margarida Faustino Jorge

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Periodic or by final exam as given in the course information: 100.0%

Bibliography

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

Hair, J., Anderson, R., Tatham, R.; Black, W. (2014), Multivariate data analysis, 7th ed., Prentice Hall.

Hill, M. M.; Hill, A. (2002), Investigação por questionário. 2ª ed. rev. e corr. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.

Krippendorf, K. (2004), Content Analysis: an Introduction to Its Methodology, Sage Publications.

Liamputtong, P.; Ezzy, D. (2006), Qualitative research methods. 2nd ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

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

Reis, F. L. (2010), Como elaborar uma dissertação de Mestrado: segundo Bolonha, Lisboa: Pactor.

Robson, C. (2007), How to do a research project: a guide for undergraduate students. Malden: Blackwell Publishing.

Sauders, M.; Lewis, P.; Thornhill, A. (2007), Research methods for business students. 4th ed. Harlow: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.