Methodology of Scientific Research

Year
2
Academic year
2020-2021
Code
01741631
Subject Area
Methodology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Theoretical/practical teaching, comprising:

1)Presentation of main theoretical contents for each issue through the use of audiovisual media;

2)Solving methodological problems with practical exercises, through the usage of specific software for data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

The SRM course unit aims to develop and improve theoretical and technical skills required to conduct research in social sciences. Emphasis is placed on the systematic study of fundamental processes and specific strategies of research planning, data analysis, data interpretation, and data presentation.

It is expected that, by the end of the course, students are able to: identify a research problem and formulate research questions linked to theory and previous studies on the same topic; elaborate a research project with clear indications of the objectives and appropriate theoretical foundations; design and implement a research plan in accordance to the required conditions of validity of results, including operationalization of variables and careful elaboration of instructions; collect data and perform analysis; interpret and discuss results in appropriate ways to answer the research questions; present the findings in the final research report.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction: Epistemology and Method

1.1. Preliminary considerations on epistemological nature

1.2. Scientific theories and hypotheses. Research programmes

2. General methodology: Research strategies

2.1. Experimental research

3. Specific methodology: Techniques of gathering information

3.1. Typology and functions of information gathering techniques

3.2. Study of documents

3.3. Survey

3.4. Qualitative research

4. Review and critical analysis of scientific literature

4.1. Estrutura e características fundamentais de um relatório de investigação

4.2. “Qualitative” analysis of scientific literature

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Jorge Santos Almeida Rama Ferro

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam (100%) or Covering all syllabus - Type A + Type C – 50% each examination: 100.0%

Bibliography

Bickman,L., & Rog, D. J.(Eds.).(1998).Handbook of applied social research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (3rd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum

Crano,W. D., & Brewer, M. B. 2002).Principles and methods of social research (2nded.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum

Hoyle,R. H., Harris, M. J., & Judd, C. M.(2002) Research methods in social relations (7th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Wadsworth. [8thed. – 2006] Rick Hoyle - Home Page Charles Judd-Home Page

 Marshall, C.(1999). Designing qualitative research (3rded.).Thousand Oaks: Sage

Mertens,D. M.(1998).Research methods in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Rosnow,R. L., & Rosenthal, R.(1998). Beginning behavioral research: A conceptual primer (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. [4th ed. - 2001] [5th ed.-2007]

Schwandt,T. A. (1997). Qualitative inquiry: A dictionary of terms.Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Shadish,W. R., CooK, T. D., & Campbell,