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.  

Head Lecturer(s)

Professor a Definir - Faculdade de Economia

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Periodic or by final exam as given in the course information: 100.0%

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.