Research Methodologies in Social Sciences

Recommended Prerequisites

Sufficient knowledge to use bibliography in English.

Teaching Methods

The seminar will take place using theoretical-practical classes on a seminar basis. The classes will take place departing from the exposure of the syllabus, from the discussion of texts relevant to the objects of study they are dealing with, previously worked by the students, and from the realization and orientation of activities that allow applying knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

The seminar provides basic theoretical and practical knowledge for carrying out research in the social sciences. Taking as its starting point the reading of contemporary societies offered by different theoretical proposals, the course aims to enable the acquisition of competences that make it possible to:

1. Gain knowledge of the social sciences' scientific production process, emphasizing the communication sciences.

2. Acquire an overview of research methods and techniques.

3. Know and apply different types of data collection and analysis tools.

4. define appropriate methodological options for investigating social processes from a communication perspective.

5. know and apply methods and techniques aimed at the media.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Part I The scientific method applied to social science research:

1. Research stages and design;

2. Research methods and techniques;

3. Tools for collecting and analyzing data.

Part II Communication and media research methodologies:

4. Media production studies ;

5. Studies of media texts;

6. Audience studies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Professor a Definir - Faculdade de Letras

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 30.0%
Research work: 70.0%

Bibliography

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore: Sage.
Lunenburg, F. C., & Irby, B. J. (2007). Writing a Successful Thesis or Dissertation: Tips and Strategies for Students in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Corwin Press.
Neuman, W. L. (2007). Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.
Silvina Souza, M., Giordano, C. & Migliorati, M. (Coord.) (2012). Hacia la Tesis: Itinerarios conceptuales y metodológicos para la investigación en comunicación.
Sloan, L., Quan-Haase, A., (2017). The SAGE Handbook of Social Media Research Methods.
Stokes, J. (2003). How to do media & cultural studies. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi. Sage.
Van Campenhoudt, L., Marquet, J., & Quivy, R. (2019). Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais. 3ª edição reformulada. Lisboa: Gradiva.
Yguartua Perosanz, J. J. (2006). Métodos cuantitativos de investigación en comunicación. Barcelona: Editorial Bosch.