82129 - Methodology and Technique of Social Research

Learning outcomes

By passing the exam, the student acquires knowledge of the main methods and related techniques of social research and the ability to apply this knowledge by orchestrating their optimal use within the research design, depending on the type of phenomenon to be investigated, the cognitive objectives to be achieved, and the available resources (human, economic, time).

Course contents

The course begins with an overview of social science methodology, where students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of social research, understanding the importance of methodology in the investigative process. The various phases of research, from hypothesis formulation to data collection and analysis, will be discussed, emphasizing the importance of a rigorous and systematic approach.

Next, the course will delve into qualitative research techniques, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Students will learn how these techniques can be used to gather rich and detailed data, allowing for a deep understanding of social phenomena. Particular attention will be given to the design of qualitative research, the conduct of interviews, and the analysis of collected data.

A module of the course will be dedicated to the Mixed Methods to learn how to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods in the same research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. Examples of studies using mixed methods will be presented, and the advantages and challenges of this approach will be discussed. Students will acquire practical skills in designing and conducting research that combines different methodologies.

Finally, the course will address digital methods in social research. Students will explore how digital technologies can be used for data collection and analysis. Tools and techniques such as social media analysis, online data collection, and the use of big data will be discussed. This module will provide practical skills for using digital tools in their research, also addressing the ethical and methodological challenges associated with these methods.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Marradi, Metodologia delle scienze sociali, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007.

M. Cardano, La ricerca qualitativa, il Mulino, Bologna, 2011.

A. Caliandro, A. Gandini, I metodi digitali nella ricerca sociale, Roma, Carocci

P. Picci, Orientamenti emergenti nella ricerca educativa: i metodi misti, Studi sulla formazione, 2-2012, pag. 191-201

Teaching methods

The course will be conducted through lectures. In each session, the instructor will cover a topic in its essential components, using concise PowerPoint presentations and supplementing the exam texts with concrete research examples.

Please note that the slides do not replace the study of the exam texts but serve as a support for understanding them.

Assessment methods

The assessment of students will be based on a combination of written exams:
The first exam will cover standard research (text by A. Marradi, "Metodologia delle scienze sociali").
The second exam will cover qualitative research (text by M. Cardano, "La ricerca qualitativa").

Additionally, there will be a final exam, to be taken during the winter session and the September makeup session. The final exam will cover:
- Digital methods (text by A. Caliandro, A. Gandini, "I metodi digitali nella ricerca sociale").
- Mixed Methods, using the article by Picci "Orientamenti emergenti nella ricerca educativa: i metodi misti".

The exam program is the same for both attending and non-attending students, with the mode of assessment being the only difference.

Those who do not pass one or both written exams will need to retake the written exam(s) for the part(s) they did not pass or did not take during the winter session or the September makeup session.

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS, those who did not take or pass one or both partial exams during the lecture period, will take the exam covering the entire program during the winter session and the September makeup session.

ATTENDING STUDENTS are those who take the two partial written exams during the lecture period.

Teaching tools

The PowerPoint files and other documents used during the lectures will be available to students on the "Insegnamenti online" platform.

Office hours

See the website of Veronica Moretti