Methods and Techniques of Research

Recommended Prerequisites

There are no specific pre-requisites for this course, but it is recommended that students have acquired basic knowledge in statistics.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical classes, covering:

1) Presentation of content for each topic using audiovisual media;

2) Resolution of methodological problems using practical application exercises with data analysis programmes.

 Assessment system:

Continuous assessment: research project (70%), theoretical/practical exercises (30%).

Learning Outcomes

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

It is expected that, by the end of the course, students are able to:

1) identify a research problem and formulate research questions linked to theory and previous studies on the same topic;

2) elaborate a research project with indications of the objectives and appropriate theoretical foundations;

3) implement a research plan in accordance to the required conditions of validity of results;

4) collect data and perform analysis;

5) interpret and discuss results in appropriate ways to answer the research questions;

6) present the findings in the research project.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Social Science Research

- Basic concepts

- The research process

- The starting point

- The problem and lectures

- Ethics in research

2. Research methodology

 - Methods, approaches and paradigms

- Hypotheses

- Sampling

3. Data collection

- Data collection instruments 

- Constructs and measures

- Validity and reliability of scales

- Other psychometric qualities

4. Data analysis

- Correlation coefficients

- Coefficients of determination and regression

- Multiple regression analysis

5. Practical exercises using SPSS/AMOS.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria do Céu Colaço Santos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 30.0%
Project: 70.0%

Bibliography

Bell, J. (2010). Como realizar um projeto de investigação. Gradiva

Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods and Practices. Textbooks Collection 3.

Black, T.R. (2011). Understanding Social Science Research. Sage Publications, Ltd.

Creswell, J.W. & Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design - Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5ª edition). Sage

Onwuegbuzie, A.J. & Collins, K.M.T. (2007). A Typologie of Mixed Methods Sampling Design in Social Science Research. Qualitative Report, 12(2), 281-316.

Quivy, R. & Campenhoudt, L. (1998). Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais. Gradiva

Sheppard, V. (2021). Research Methods for Social Science - An Introduction. E-book Edition.