Research Methods and Techniques

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

This curricular unit employs a multi-methods strategy aiming at promoting an active learning approach. In that regard, the curricular unit combines the expository method with the active engagement of students in the classrrom, namely via the discussion of scientific papers, structured debates, practical exercises and presentation based on students' research following the style of scientific conferences with peer review.

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit aims at exposing students to the main queries related to methodological choices and research techniques in the analysis of social and political phenomena. It also envisages to provide students with advanced competences to undertake original and relevant research in the field of European Studies.

 

With the conclusion of this curricular unit, students are expected to:

1. Identify conceptual and ethical principles in Social Sciences research

2. Understand the different stages of scientific production in Social Sciences

3. Understand and differentiate central concepts and approaches to the research on European Studies

4. Identify and apply research methodologies and techniques in the field of European Studies

5. Design a research project

6. Implement the research project.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Scientific knowledge in Social Sciences: conceptual and ethical principles

2. Research in Social Sciences

3. Core concepts and approaches in European Studies

4. Research methodologies and techniques

5. Design a research project

6. Develop a research paper (based on the research project).

Head Lecturer(s)

Albertino Paulo Vila Maior Guimarães Monteiro

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Participation: 20.0%
Project: 30.0%
Research work: 50.0%

Bibliography

Alasuutari, P., Bickman, L., & Brannen, J. (Eds.). (2008). The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods. Sage.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswel, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage.

Dunne, T., Kurki, M., & Smith, S. (Eds.). (2016). International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. Oxford University Press.

Johnson, J., Reynolds, H., & Mycoff, J. (2019). Political Science Research Methods. Sage.

Halperin, S., & Heath, O. (2020). Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills. Oxford University Press.

Lynggaard, K., Manners, I., & Lofgren, K. (Eds.). (2015). Research Methods in European Union Studies. Palgrave Macmillan.

MacNabb, D. (2010). Research Methods for Political Science: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Routledge.

Pajo, B. (2017). Introduction to Research Methods: A Hands-On Approach. Sage.

Williams, C. (2015). Doing International Research: Global and Local Methods. Sage.