29218 - Methods and Techniques of Social Research

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - has the basic knowledge on the methods and techniques of social research; - is able to distinguish the different phases of sociological research on the territory; - knows the characteristics of the main available sources of information, both quantitative and qualitative; - knows and are able to apply methods of analysis and reading of the needs of the territory.

Course contents

The course, divided into two parts, will highlight and discuss the relevance of the knowledge of techniques and methods of social research on the territory in order to read both the needs arising within the territory and the resources and social capital offered by the local context. The relevance of the knowledge of the socio-territorial context in the design of a social intervention will be emphasized.

In the first module of the course, the design of empirical research will be illustrated, focusing especially on the main phases of research and on the theme of sources of information collection using as a reference the study by M.L. Small "Villa Victoria" conducted on a poor neighborhood of Boston. The distinctions between direct and indirect sources and between quantitative and qualitative sources will be discussed. Subsequently, students will be asked to watch the film "Life in the banlieue" which will then be discussed in class, taking up the keys to understanding taken from the presentation of the research conducted on Villa Victoria in a comparative perspective.

In the second module, classic sociological researches will be introduced. Particular attention will be paid to qualitative methods and tecniques: participing observation, biographic approach, life history.

 

Readings/Bibliography

M. Castrignano', voci: "Disegno della ricerca empirica", "Intervista e questionario", "Fonti dell'informazione",  in P. Guidicini, M.La Rosa, G.Scida' , (a cura di), Enciclopedia tematica aperta Sociologia, Jaca Book, Milano, 1997;

J. Madge, Lo sviluppo dei metodi di ricerca empirica in sociologia, Il Mulino, Bologna, 1966 (capp.I, II, III e VI)

M. L. Small, Villa Victoria. Poverta' e capitale sociale in un quartiere di Boston, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2011.

Film "Vita nella banlieue" regia Kery James, Leila Sy.

Teaching methods

frontal lessons

Assessment methods

A final oral exam that consists in a conversation about the texts previously indicated. The oral test want to assess the learning of methodology of social research and technique contents discussed during the course. Appropriate language with the specific nature of the discipline, and the ability to deepen and put into connection with each other the main issues addressed in the course will result in assessments of excellence. Correct language, mnemonic knowledge of contents and partial ability to link the themes covered will produce discrete valuations. Inappropriate language, the presence of some training gaps but achieving a minimal body of knowledge on the topics covered will result in assessments sufficient. Lack of guidance within the themes addressed in the exam readings, inappropriate language, and training gaps will result in negative evaluations.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

Office hours

See the website of Marco Castrignanò

See the website of Alessandra Landi