Methodology

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Individual and group exercises of epistemological reflection on science and research; individual and group exercises and of elaboration of research designs; presentation of research designs and research projects, discussion of research projects, role-plays of interviews and focus group, theoretical exposition.

Scheme evaluation

Individual oral presentation of a design research (40%)

Individual written exercise of epistemological reflection on science and research (30%)

Individual written exercise on qualitative and mixed methods research (30%) .

Learning Outcomes

To reflect critically on science, research paradigms and methodologies

To reflect critically on ethical issues in social science research

To develop knowledge’s about quantitative methods, qualitative and mixed

To develop knowledge’s about the evaluation process under investigation

To develop skills to make research designs in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodological approaches

To develop skills in data collection in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodological approaches

To develop skills in analyzing data in qualitative and mixed methodological approaches

To develop skills in the structuring of scientific writing in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodological approaches.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Science, research paradigms and methodologies - epistemological reflexions

2. Quantitative vs qualitative methodologies

3. Specific features of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies - principles and core concepts; conceptualisation of research designs; skills of the researcher, the sample selection process; methodological strategies for collecting and analyzing data; the structure of scientific writing

4. Development and validation of questionnaires

5. Methods of data collection in qualitative research - observation, interviews and focus group

6. Data analysis in qualitative research; the specificity of grounded theory as a methodological strategy for collecting and analyzing data; the use of QSR N'Vivo in qualitative data analysis

7. The process of evaluation of quantitative, qualitative and mixed research

8. Science and social science research - ethical issues.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Clara Martins Barata Almeida

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 100.0%

Bibliography

Bryman, A., & Burgess, R. (1999). Qualitative Research. Vol I e II. London: Sage Publications.

Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory – A Pratical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. London: Sage Publications.

Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2010). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. N.Y.: Sages Publ.

Daly, K. (2007). Qualitative Methods for Family Studires & Human Development. London: Sage Publications.

Flick, U. (2002). Métodos Qualitativos na Investigação Científica. Lisboa: Monitor.

Hill, M.M., & Hill, A. (2000). Investigação por Questionário. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo

Mason, J. (1998). Qualitative Researching. London: Sage Publications.

Morse, J. (ed.) (1997). Completing a Qualitative Project – Details and Dialogue. London: Sage Publications.

Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (eds.) (2003). Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral Research. London:

Sage Publi cations.