Research Methodologies

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applied.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical classes with subjects exposition, real cases discussion and analysis and practice of data collection and processing and bibliographic collection.

Learning Outcomes

The ulltimate objective of this course is to acquire improved knowledge concerning a particular research topic, to identify the problems to be considered and to identify possible methods to solve them. The following objectives contribute to this outcome:

a) to know research methods aiming at creating knowledge

b) To understand publishing in science: writing articles and peer review

c) To know how to organize and consult information sources

d) To design experiments and to analyse data

e) To understand the construction of scales and indicators

f) To assess options involving the main stakeholders

g) To be aware of the ethic aspects involved in scientific reseacrh. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Reflections on epistemology.

2. Analysis of different qualitative and quantitative research methods, reflection on applicability and expected results.

3. Experiments design and data analysis.

4. Bibliographic sources and research: use, applicability, literature review.

5. Multicriteria evaluation: stakeholder envolvement, structuring of evaluation dimensions, scales and indicators.

6. Scientific communication: presentations at conferences and writing of scientific papers

7. Reflections on ethics in science.

Head Lecturer(s)

Luís Miguel Cândido Dias

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 40.0%
Research work: 60.0%

Bibliography

R. Sheldon, Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists, Academic Press, 2009

Creswell, J., Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, Sage, 2009

Gauch Jr, H.G., Scientific Method in Practice, Cambridge UP, 2003

Robson C., Real World Research, Blackwell, 2002

K. Dooley (2002), “Simulation research methods,” in Companion to Organizations, Joel Baum (ed.), London: Blackwell, p. 829-848, 2002.