Methods of Scientific Research

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of scientific research methodology and quantitative and qualitative analysis of data obtained in the 1st cycle of studies.

Teaching Methods

Oral explanation of contents combined with active pedagogical techniques, for the application of knowledge. Exercises of reading and analysis of excerpts from studies published in the areas of interest of the students. Group discussions on methodological decisions in real studies in the area of the Master Courses involved. Exploration of examples from dissertations/training reports, where different research methodologies or techniques were used. Exercises to train data collection and analysis through available software: SPSS IBM25; MaxQDA. Discussion of common dificulties in scientific writing.

Learning Outcomes

-To promote the development of students' scientific literacy, through the critical analysis of problems that are the object of study of social and human sciences.

-To discuss advantages and limits of the various research strategies, according to specific themes.

-To train skills that enable the methodologically correct elaboration of research work, of a quantitative, qualitative, or even mixed nature.

-To deepen knowledge about data collection techniques of different nature.

-To develop skills in descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of numerical data.

-To learn how to interpret semantic information (and other types).

-To enable for critical reading of the scientific literature.

-To develop skills in writing scientific work, including standards for references.

-To foster awareness of the value of communication in science.

-To reflect on the social responsibility of science for intervention in different contexts.

-To promote reflection on research ethical principles.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

A.Characteristics of scientific research in social and human sciences: paradigms, assumptions and ethical principles

B.Quantitative studies

-The formulation of problems and hypotheses

-Structured data collection techniques and psychometric properties

-Quantitative research designs: experimental and non-experimental ones

-Probabilistic and non-probabilistic samples

-Problems regarding the internal and external validity of quantitative studies

-Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques of data analysis: correlations, analysis of variance, exploratory factorial analysis, multiple regression analyzes, etc.

C.Qualitative studies

-Starting themes and emerging hypotheses

-The cyclical research process

-The role of the researcher/participant

-Common types of data collection and data analysis procedures

-Credibility of knowledge: validity and reliability

-General rules for organizing a scientific report

D. Mixed methods

- Types, possibilities and challenges.  

Head Lecturer(s)

Cristina Maria Coimbra Vieira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Oral presentation of the sellected theme for the synthesis work: 20.0%
Resolution Problems: 30.0%
Synthesis work: 50.0%

Bibliography

Amado, J. (Org.). (2017). Manual de Investigação Qualitativa em Educação (3ªed.). Coimbra: Imp. da UC.

Ary, D. et al. (1990). Introduction to research in education. Forth Worth: Holt, Rineh. and Winston, Inc.

Drew, C. J. & Hardman, M. L. (1985). Designing and conducting behavioral research. NY: Pergamon Press.

Field, A. (2005). Discovering statistics using SPSS (2nd ed). London: SAGE.

Fraenkel, J. R & Wallen, N. E. (2003). How to design and evaluate research in education (5th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Mills, J. & Birks, M. (Eds.) (2014). Qualitative Methodology: a practical guide. London: Sage Publications.

Vieira, C. C. (1999). A credibilidade da investigação cientifica de natureza qualitativa: questões relativas à fidelidade e validade. Revista Portuguesa de Pedagogia, XXXIII(2), 89-116.

Vieira, C. C. (2019). Investigação, conhecimento científico e responsabilidade social: reflexões a partir das Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Exedra, 28-37.