B8314 - METODOLOGIA DELLA RICERCA POLITICA E SOCIALE (A-L)

Learning outcomes

The course provides an in-depth exploration of key issues related to empirical research methodology in the field of social and political sciences, equipping students with the conceptual and methodological tools necessary to conduct sociological and political studies, including those employing a quantitative approach.

Course contents

The course introduces the main approaches, methods and techniques used in empirical research in the political and social sciences. It aims to provide students with the basic tools needed to understand how research is conducted and to interpret research findings critically.

The course will cover the main stages of the research process: defining the research problem and research question; formulating hypotheses; developing the research design; translating concepts into indicators and variables; selecting cases; and collecting, organising, analysing and interpreting data.

Particular attention will be devoted to quantitative research and the main data collection techniques.

The course will be structured as follows:

• Classes 1–6: Foundations of political and social research methodology

• Class 7: Mid-term assessment

• Classes 8–15: In-depth examination of selected aspects of data construction, analysis and interpretation

The second part of the course will include laboratory activities designed to apply the concepts and tools covered during the course. The final assessment will also examine the content and skills developed through these laboratory activities.

A detailed schedule of classes and activities will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Readings/Bibliography

Lucchini, M., 2022. Metodologia della ricerca sociale, Milano: Pearson. Seconda edizione.

Additional readings will be provided by the instructor before the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

Course content will be presented and discussed through a combination of lectures and laboratory-based classes.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of:

• a written mid-term test covering the first part of the course;

• a written final test, to be completed in a computer laboratory, covering the content of the second part of the course and the skills developed during the laboratory activities.

The final grade will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the two assessments.

Further information on the structure, content and procedures of the assessments will be provided at the beginning of the course and published on the Virtuale platform.

Assessment methods are the same for attending and non-attending students.

Final grade descriptors

Ability to carry out analysis only with the instructor’s assistance; generally correct use of language: 18–19

Ability to carry out analysis independently; correct use of language: 20–24

Ability to conduct critical analysis; good command of subject-specific terminology: 25–29

Ability to conduct critical analysis and establish connections between topics; full command of subject-specific terminology; strong argumentation and self-reflection skills: 30–30 with honours

Students with specific learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities are 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 to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, also in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

The Virtuale platform, available at virtuale.unibo.it. All students are required to enrol on the course page at the beginning of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Bozzon