82137 - Laboratory Of Quantitative Social Research 1

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills required to design, construct, and use a standardised data collection instrument—the questionnaire—within survey research. By the end of the laboratory course, students will be able to understand the main methodological issues and possible solutions involved both in the empirical translation of research hypotheses derived from a theoretical framework—through the conceptualisation and operationalisation of concepts into variables—and in questionnaire design. Particular attention will be paid to key aspects such as the content, format, and wording of questions, as well as the different modes of data collection.

Course contents

The laboratory activities combine lectures with practical exercises.

The lectures cover the research design, from the formulation of research questions and the development of a work plan for addressing them to the empirical translation of concepts, the operationalisation of concepts, and the formulation of operational definitions. Further topics include the identification of indicators for the concept under investigation, types of properties and variables, questionnaire design, and the main aspects of data collection, such as question types, question wording, and modes of administration.

During the practical exercises, students will work in groups to select a topic and develop a questionnaire under the guidance of the lecturer. They will follow the main stages of questionnaire construction, from the formulation of the research question to the development of a conceptual map and the drafting of questions designed to address it, through to the pre-test stage. The design of the instrument, its administration, and its presentation and discussion in class are essential components of the final assessment (see below).

To ensure that the in-class activities, which include practical exercises and assessment tasks, remain sustainable and effective, students may be absent for no more than five classes. It is also possible to follow the course as a non-attending student (see below for the required readings and assessment methods).

Readings/Bibliography

Course materials provided by the lecturer during the course and made available on the “Virtuale” online platform.

The course does not require the use of any specific textbook. However, the topics covered in class can also be found in the following texts:

P. Corbetta, Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale, Il Mulino, 1999 (or the second edition, 2014), Chapters 3, 5, and 6; alternatively, P. Corbetta, La ricerca sociale: metodologia e tecniche, Vol. II, Le tecniche quantitative, Il Mulino, 2003, Chapters 1, 3, and 4.

A. Marradi, Tutti redigono questionari. Ma è davvero così facile?, FrancoAngeli, 2019.

Students who attend the in-class programme described above will receive both a theoretical explanation and a practical, operational application of the concepts and tools during the course.

Students who do not attend the in-class programme must refer to the texts listed above.

Teaching methods

As indicated above, lectures and practical exercises will alternate throughout the course. The lectures are designed to provide the technical and operational knowledge required to develop a questionnaire.

The practical sessions adopt an experiential learning approach. Students will simulate the work of a professional research team commissioned by a client to design a questionnaire addressing specific information needs. During this phase, the working groups will engage in active learning by producing a concrete output: a questionnaire based on a real research question and developed through cooperative peer-learning strategies.

Assessment methods

For students who attend the in-class programme described above, the assessment of the knowledge and skills acquired will take place throughout the laboratory activities. Attendance, participation in class, and completion of both individual and group assignments will also contribute to the assessment.

During the final sessions, the group projects will be presented and discussed. Further details will be provided at the beginning of the course.

For non-attending students, assessment will be based on the study of the assigned readings and will consist of a written examination.

Grades will be awarded according to the following scale:

18–20: sufficient knowledge and skills;
21–23: satisfactory knowledge and skills;
24–26: good knowledge and skills;
27–28: very good knowledge and skills;
29–30: excellent knowledge and skills;
30 with honours: outstanding knowledge and skills.

Notice for students with specific learning disorders or temporary or permanent disabilities: students are strongly advised to contact the relevant University office in good time: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti . The office will propose any appropriate accommodations. These must be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance. The lecturer will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Use of AI

Artificial intelligence may be used as a support tool for individual study, including for further exploration of course topics, summarising materials, and self-assessment activities. However, the use of AI is prohibited in assessed work, particularly in the preparation of the questionnaire and during the written examination for non-attending students. Any such use will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Computer, projector, and presentation slides.

Office hours

See the website of Stella Volturo