B3875 - Research Methods for the Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

The course aims to reconstruct the debate on the Method in the social sciences and aims to offer students a framework of the strategies and techniques of detection and analysis most frequently used in socio-political empirical research. The course is dedicated to students who have never dealt with topics related to the Method and techniques of Social Research, neither from the theoretical point of view nor from the empirical point of view. The course focuses on some central themes of the Methodology of empirical Research in the Social Sciences. At the end of the course the student is expected to: - have a basic knowledge of some central themes of the Epistemology of empirical Research; - know how to apply logic elements in the preparation of research design and in the interpretation of the results of an investigation; - to critically evaluate the quantitative and qualitative empirical investigations presented in journals and/or academic publications; - have the ability to find information by consulting the available databases; - use the basic statistical analysis techniques for the description of economic, political and social phenomena.

Course contents

The course aims to provide students with basic notions of research methodologies in the social sciences, with a focus on qualitative methods. The course is offered to students who might not have dealt with methods and approaches in the social sciences yet and will be engaged in practical empirical research at the end of their studies. The course aims to enable students to develop research and analytical skills and includes discussions of specific methodological approaches. The emphasis is on providing practical knowledge of the research process and in preparing students to conduct their own research projects.

Acknowledging the heterogeneity of research practices in the social science fields, the course will focus on key overarching theories and epistemologies; key research terms and key aspects of the research process; key issues in qualitative research, including interviews and case study; mixed methods research; and issues of ethical approach that guides the research process.

Learning outcomes:

Upon successful competition of the course, students will be able to demonstrate to:

- Understand the key concepts involved in designing and conducting research

- Formulate a research question and design a research proposal

- Identify and use autonomously primary and secondary sources

- Consider the appropriateness of different research strategies

- Understand the opportunities and challenges faced by social scientists in their attempts to analyse global societies

- Demonstrate basic research, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills

Given the practical nature of the course, active participation during seminars and discussions are essential to obtain a good evaluation

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested Readings (selected chapters)

Cresswell, J.W. and Cresswell, J.D. (2017) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches [5th edition]. SAGE.

Patricia Leavy (ed.) (2020) The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research, Oxford University Press (selected chapters)

Curini, L., Franzese, R. (eds.) (2020) The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations. SAGE

Lamont, C. (2021). Research methods in international relations. London, Sage

Punch, K. (2014). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. London, Sage

Denzin Norman K. Lincoln, Yvonna S. Giardina, Michael D. Cannella Gaile S. (Eds) (2023) SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications (selected chapters)

Additional reading suggestions will be provided throughout the course.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of lessons and seminars and will host special lectures from invited speakers. Group discussions and presentations will be integral to the course to enable students a direct participation in active learning methods.

Assessment methods

Students are required to attend at least 70% of classes. They are expected to participate in class discussions, and get hands-on experience to practice their research skills and produce a research project. Throughout the module, students are encouraged to work on their research projects and special time will be allocated during the classes to discuss the phases of development focusing on:

• Initial Research Proposal/Research Question
• Content Analysis / Literature Review
• Methods of data collection: Pilot in-depth/semi-structured interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, etc
• Methods of data analysis
  

The course work is based on:

1. A first group presentation (not graded), each group will analyse and present the content of 2 articles related to the course topics, selected under the lecturer's supervision. The presentation will take place during class sessions.

2. A second group presentation (not graded), in which each group will present a research project chosen and developed by students. This presentation will be scheduled at the end of the course.

Students will design and develop a research project to collect and analyse data (limited data is accepted given the short time-frame) using any of the research methods covered in this course (ie. surveys, in-depth interviews, field observations, content analysis, etc.). Each research project will include a study design, data collection, data analysis, and a write-up of findings.

The group presentations will not be assessed but will need to be a genuine group effort, coherently structured and well organised (10% will be deducted from the final mark for each of these requirements if not met).

3. Research Project Essay (graded) - Each student will then submit an essay based on the research project (2500 words, a bibliography should be included but it will not count towards the word limit) for assessment. Individual changes to the group presentations can be made if preferred, but they are not needed. The report will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Coverage of the main research activities (study design, data collection, data analysis, and writing-up of findings) and clarity in analyzing the research process (0-22)
• Accurate execution and in-depth evaluation of the proposed methods of data collection and data analysis, with a well-structured and coherent analysis of the research process and the research topic (23-27)
• Critical analysis and very good use of theories and approaches discussed in this module, presenting a very well-structured and coherent analysis of the research process and the research topic (28-30 with honours)

Teaching tools

The course uses active learning methods and includes lectures, class discussions and presentations, readings and use of real datasets in preparation for the lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Carla De Tona