08829 - Social Research Methodology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able: - to describe the social characteristics of administrative territories (regions, provinces, municipalities) using official statistics; - to detect and evaluate the social hardship by carrying out a basic research; - to critically analyse, from a methodological point of view, a research report ; - to carry out empirical research using the survey method; - to carry out empirical research analysing the official statistic.

Course contents

In social work, planning is necessarily associated with a research perspective. The data collection, data reading, data analysis and research activities form the basis for the definition of interventions, their monitoring and evaluation.

The course will deal with the techniques and methods of data collection and analysis, which are fundamental for both social planning and the preparation of the thesis in its empirical part.

After introducing how a research project is set up, we will focus on the traditional distinction between qualitative and quantitative techniques.

In the case of the former, the sample survey, statistical sources, some basic elements of descriptive statistics will be presented.

With regard to qualitative techniques, reference will be made to participant observation, in-depth interview and the use of documents.

Readings/Bibliography

For all (attending and not):

Corbetta P., Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014.

Chap. 1, chap. 2, chap. 3, chap. 5, chap. 6 , chap. 8, chap. 10, chap. 11, chap. 12, chap.13 (all except sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1), chap. 14 (all except sections 3, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4).

The book is available on Pandoracampus where individual chapters can also be accessed for a fee.

https://www.pandoracampus.it/store/details/10.978.8815/359292

Teaching methods

Lecturers, practical exercises and data analysis exercises.

Assessment methods

Non-attending students
The exam will be written and will consist of two open questions (with limited answer length) and an analysis exercise (chap. 13 and 14), 60 minutes.

It is possible to use the calculator (not the one on the smartphone).

Attending students (80% attendance of lectures and at least 4 exercises)
The exam will be written and will consist of one open question (choice between two) (with limited length of answer), 30 minutes. The exercises carried out in the lectures will also be graded.

 

To take the exam, students must register in Alma Esami (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm). Please note that for written exam registrations close one week before the exam date.

Teaching tools

Slides and resources available on Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/)

Office hours

See the website of Marco Trentini