Seminar on Social Science Research Techniques

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

1 – The introductory module (3 sessions) is essentially based on lectures with a view to reinforcing both the knowledge and the critical reflection regarding the main differences between quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
2 – Each independent optional module comprises six theoretical-practical sessions where the students get involved in exercises and rehearsals with specific research instruments and techniques related to their Ph.D. research interests.

Learning Outcomes

1 – To understand the main differences between qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
2 – To expand the knowledge of methodologies and research techniques deemed relevant for the Ph.D. dissertation work.
3 – To apply the knowledge of methodologies and research techniques to the preparation of the Ph.D. dissertation project.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 – Qualitative and quantitative methodologies: two distinct traditions?
1.1 – Distinctive characteristics and internal diversity of qualitative methodologies.
1.2 – Distinctive characteristics and internal diversity of quantitative methodologies.
1.3 – Main controversies between the two traditions.

2 – A specific module on research methods and techniques, to be chosen out of the following possibilities (each one corresponding to 5 ETCS and involving six sessions).
2.1 Network analysis.
2.2. Interviews and qualitative content analysis.
2.3 Econometrical and multivariate statistical analysis.

3 – A specific module on research methods and techniques, to be chosen out of the following possibilities (each one corresponding to 5 ETCS and involving six sessions).
3.1 Qualitative Comparative Analysis.
3.2 Case-studies and the comparative method.
3.3 Participatory methodologies.
3.4 Input-Output Analysis: introduction and empirical applications.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 40.0%
Research work: 60.0%

Bibliography

Becker, H. S. (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to Think about Your Research while You’re Doing It. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Borgatti,S. P., Everett, M., Johnson, J.C., (2013), Analysing Social Networks, SAGE
Byrne, D. & Ragin, C. (eds.) (2009) The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods. Londres: SAGE.
Goertz, G. & Mahoney, J. (2012) A Tale of Two Cultures: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Greene, W.H. (2012) Econometric Analysis. New Jersey, Prentice Hall (7th Edition).
Miller, R. and Blair, P. (2009) Input-Output Analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schneider, C.Q. & Wagemann, C. (2012) Set-theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences: A Guide to Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schreier, M. (2012). Qualitative Content Analysis in Practice. Londres: Sage.
Yin, R. K. (2013). Case-study Research: Design and Methods (5ª edição). Londres: Sage.