Sociological Research Methodology

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The sessions combine the presentation and discussion of the syllabus topics. Students are supposed to actively participate in collective discussions. The sessions will involve the active participation of students, who are expected to comment on the selected materials. Students may also suggest reading materials related to their research topics which involve epistemological and methodological connections.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to work on the methodological foundations of sociological research and to develop knowledge on the research process and the main methods and techniques of empiric research. During the course the students are expected to: acquire technical knowledge on the main sociological methods and research techniques; reflect critically on their use and on its epistemological and methodological implications; develop the ability to elaborate a research design appropriate to the object and objectives of their researches.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1) The sociological research and the research process: epistemological assumptions and methodological guidelines. 2) The diversity of epistemological positions and the plurality of methodological orientations. 3) The research process: steps and procedures. 4) Extensive research and quantitative techniques: statistical analysis; questionnaire survey. 5) Intensive research and qualitative techniques: documentary analysis, interviews, direct observation, case studies. 6) Complementary techniques and triangulation strategies: adaptation of the research design to the object of study.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Paula Abreu Pereira da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Participation: 30.0%
Synthesis work: 70.0%

Bibliography

BERNARD, H. Russell (2013), Social research methods : quantitative and qualitative approaches. Los Angeles : Sage Publications. [001.8 BER]

CRESWELL, John W. (2014), Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Los Angeles: Sage Publications. [001.8 CRE]

DENZIN, Norman K.; LINCOLN, Yvonna S. (Eds.) (2011), The Sage handbook of qualitative research.  Los Angeles : Sage Publications [303 SAG]

GHIGLIONE, Rodolfe; MATALON, Benjamim (1992), O inquérito: teoria e prática. Oeiras: Celta. [303 GHI]

KING, Nigel; HORROCKS, Christine (2012), Interviews in qualitative research. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.  [001.8 KIN]

MILES, Matthew B.; HUBERMAN, A. Michael; SALDAÑA, Johnny (2014), Qualitative data analysis: a methods sourcebook. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.   [001.8 MIL]

QUIVY, Raymond; CAMPENHOUDT, Luc Van (2005), Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais, 4ª edição, Lisboa, Gradiva. [303 QUI]