Qualitative Techniques of Sociological Research

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended that the students have knowledge on Methodology of Research, but it is not mandatory

Teaching Methods

A mixed-method approach will be adopted, with a strong emphasis on problem-based learning and group work. Classes will be diverse in nature, with a focus on practical sessions dedicated to group project development and presentations. A hands-on pedagogy will be privileged throughout the course

Learning Outcomes

General: This course unit aims to provide students with the basic tools of qualitative research in Sociology. It seeks to equip students with knowledge of qualitative procedures for OBSERVING within the scope of empirical research in Sociology.
Specific: By the end of the course, students should be able to: select and operationalise the appropriate qualitative techniques for each type of research; plan and carry out fieldwork; process the qualitative data produced with a view to analysing the results.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. Introduction to Sociological Research Techniques:
1.Epistemological and ethical issues in sociological research
II. Qualitative Research: Importance, history, characteristics
2. Issues of quality, sampling, validity, and reliability
III. Sociological Observation Techniques: Data construction
3. Interview techniques
3.1 Types of individual and group interviews
3.2 The nature of the interview situation
3.3 Factors influencing the interview
3.4 Interviewer's intervention styles
3.5 Focus group interviews
4.Participatory and ethnographic techniques
4.1 Mapping and walking methodologies
4.2 Participant observation; observation participation
4.3 Ethics and the role of the observer
4.4 Recording and coding techniques
5.Life histories
5.1 Methodological issues in life histories
5.2 The “assemblage”
6.Documents

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Text presentations: 30.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 70.0%

Bibliography

Bergano, S. & Vieira, C. 2020 As metodologias de investigação qualitativa como aliadas da ação. Ex æquo, 41 15-25; Coutinho, C. 2011 Metodologia em ciências sociais e humanas. Almedina.; Humphris, I., Horlings, L., & Biggs, I. (2023) ‘Getting deep into things’: Deep mapping in a ‘vacant’ landscape. In A. Franklin (Ed.), Co-creativity and engaged scholarship: Transformative methods in social sustainability research pp. 357-390. E. Elgar P; Karsten, S (2023) Walk with me: A community-engaged research response to the drug poisoning crisis (T. Mahoney, Ed.). Community-Engaged Research Initiative, Simon Fraser; Lima Júnior, E., Gomes, C. R., Soares, A. & Silva, M. (2021) Análise documental como percurso metodológico na pesquisa qualitativa. Cadernos da FUCAMP, 20(44), 36-51.; Pearson; Suadik, M. (2022). Building resilience in qualitative research: Challenges and opportunities in times of crisis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21..