Methods' Laboratory

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

The classes are divided into different modules, in which teachers attempt to articulate a systematic but synthetic presentation of the methods and techniques with a practical application, by performing small practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes

The unit of Research Methods Laboratory aims to provide methodological tools to students to enable them to develop research processes in the Social Sciences. First, it is intended to identify key issues and factors to consider in developing a research project and, on the other hand, present different techniques for collecting and processing information.

The students should be able to design the methodology of an individual research project, identifying the appropriate methods and techniques to meet the proposed objectives.

The unit offers a flexible structure in terms of learning content, enabling students to choose the subjects they wish to work and develop, on the basis of previously acquired knowledge and its objectives in terms of future research projects.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Research Project;
2. Databases and literature review;
3. Competencies for research, storage and processing of information sources;
4. Interview;
5. Survey;
6. Participant observation;
7. Attitudes Scales;
8. Focus Groups;
9. Introduction to quantitative data analysis using the SPSS;
10. Content Analysis;
11. Qualitative data analysis - the model of Grounded Theory;
12. Qualitative data analysis - Introduction to MAXQDA;
13. Quantitative data analysis - Cluster Analysis;
14. Análise quantitative data - Factor Analysis;
15. Análise quantitative data - Multiple Regression;
16. Qualitative epistemological analysis.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Paula Abreu Pereira da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 50.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 50.0%

Bibliography

JESSOR, R. et. al. (1996), Essays on Ethnography and Human Development. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press.

BRYMAN, A.; BELL, E. (2007), Business Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press.

HAIR, J., ANDERSON, R., TATHAM, R. & BLACK, W. (2006) Multivariate Data Analysis with Readings. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

HART, C. (2009), Doing a Literature Review. Londres: Sage.

HILL, M.; HILL, A. (2002), Investigação por questionário. Lisboa: Ed. Sílabo.

Krippendorf, K. (2013), Content Analyses. Londres: Sage.

LEWINS, A.; SILVER, C. (2007), Using Software in Qualitative Research: Londres: Sage.

MARÔCO, J. (2010), Análise estatística com utilização do SPSS. Lisboa: Ed. Sílabo.

MORGAN, D. L. (1997), The Focus Group Guidebook, Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Ó DOCHARTAIGH, N. (2012), Internet Research Skills. Londres: Sage.

PARKER, R. N.; ASENCIO, E. K. (2008), GIS and Spatial Analysis for the Social Sciences. NY: Routledge.

STRAUSS, A. e CORBIN, J., 2008, Basics of Qualitative Research. Londres: Sage.