82137 - Laboratory Of Quantitative Social Research 1

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary for the design, construction, and use of the standardized data collection tool (the questionnaire) employed in surveys. By the end of the laboratory sessions, students will be able to understand the main issues and potential solutions related to both the empirical translation of research hypotheses derived from a theoretical approach (conceptualization and operationalization of concepts into variables), and the construction of the questionnaire, particularly concerning critical aspects such as content, form, question formulation, and various methods of information retrieval.

Course contents

The course is divided into two main parts: a theoretical section and a practical section.


In the first part of the course, the following topics will be covered: the research design process, from formulating research questions to their empirical translation; methods for developing a clear operational definition or identifying appropriate indicators for the concept of interest; the types and nature of variable properties; and techniques for formulating questionnaire questions.


In the second part of the course, students will select one of the three proposed topics to develop a questionnaire. This phase will be guided by the professor and will aim to retrace the typical stages involved in the construction of questionnaires used by research professionals, including the pre-test phase.

Readings/Bibliography

The course does not follow a specific textbook.

Readings (in Italian and English) on specific techniques will be suggested during the course.

International students are asked to contact the professor in order to define a specific programme.

Teaching methods

In the first part, the laboratory is based on lectures aimed at providing the technical and operational knowledge necessary for designing a questionnaire. In the second part, the learning will focus on an experiential approach. Students will simulate the work of a professional team commissioned by a client to create a questionnaire that meets specific informational needs. During this phase, the work groups will engage in active learning by producing a concrete product: a questionnaire based on a real research question, using cooperative peer learning strategies. Subsequently, the instructor will present a summary of the work done by the groups, showing how to improve the product and providing a complete version, which will be discussed. Finally, the simulation will include individual work for administering the designed questionnaire and completing the pre-test form.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning will be conducted in two parts:


1) An evaluation (collective) of the group work


2) An evaluation (individual) of five pre-test questionnaires and the corresponding pre-test analysis form.


As indicated by the academic regulations of the study program, attendance in the laboratory is mandatory.


To verify students' actual participation in the lessons, the professor will collect signatures from those present at each session. A maximum of 4 absences is allowed.

Teaching tools

PC, Video projector, slides, scientific papers.

Office hours

See the website of Stella Volturo