Research Methodologies

Year
1

Academic year
2022-2023

Code
03001034

Subject Area
City Planning and Transportation

Language of Instruction
Portuguese

Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face

Duration
SEMESTRIAL

ECTS Credits
6.0

Type
Compulsory

Level
3rd Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Lectures combining theoretical explanations with exercise solving and with conceptual and real-case discussions.

Learning Outcomes

Provide students with a deep knowledge on advanced research methodologies and work plan development skills.

Work Placement(s)

Syllabus

Evolution of research methods. Scientific approaches. Scientific method in natural sciences: description, prediction, control, and understanding. Controllable and uncontrollable phenomena: limitations of experimental methods in face of real world complexity. Non-experimental methods: correlation, nature observation, surveys/questionnaires, case studies. Research and analysis with missing data. Optimization methods. Conversion of empirical data into computational data. Socioeconomic analysis and methods. Political analysis and methods. Research design and process control.

Head Lecturer(s)

António José Pais Antunes

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Participation in classroom activities; home assignments; and written final exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Robson C, Real World Research, Blackwell, 2002

Gibbons M, Limoges C, Nowotony H, Schwartzman S, Scott P, Trow M, The New Production of Knowledge:

The Dynamics of Science and Research in Contemporary Societies, Sage Publications, 1994

Gauch Jr HG, Scientific Method in Practice, Cambridge UP, 2003

Yin RK, Applications of Case Study Research, Sage, 2002