82137 - Laboratory Of Quantitative Social Research 1

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills needed for the design, construction and use of the standardized data collection tool (the questionnaire) used in the survey (sample surveys). At the end of the workshop the student will be able to understand the main problems and possible solutions inherent both the empirical translation of hypotheses of research derived from a theoretical approach (conceptualization and operation of concepts in variables), and the construction of the questionnaire, in merit, in particular, to determining aspects such as the content, form and formulation of the questions and the different ways of gathering information.

Course contents

The first part will illustrate: the design of research, from the formulation of research questions to the empirical translation of concepts; the procedures for arriving at a direct operational definition, or for identifying indicators of the concept on which information is to be collected; the types of properties and the nature of the variables associated with them; the formulation techniques of the questions of a questionnaire. In the second part a theme will be chosen and a questionnaire will be constructed through a group work guided by the teacher, retracing as much as possible the phases of construction of a questionnaire in use among professional researchers, until the test (pre-test).

Readings/Bibliography

The course does not require the use of specific manuals / texts, however the teacher strongly recommends reading the following text:

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

Teaching methods

The laboratory is based on a mix of different teaching strategies. After a few lectures aimed at conferring the necessary technical and operational knowledge involved in the conception of a questionnaire, an experiential learning will be privileged through the simulation of the work of a professional team commissioned by a client to build a questionnaire that responds to precise inquiries. In this phase we will alternate group work (outside the laboratory hours), in which we will experience problem solving and active learning for the creation of a product (the construction of a questionnaire on a real research question) within of cooperative strategies (peer learning), to presentations by the teacher of the synthesis of the work carried out by the groups, which show how to improve the product and offer the complete version, subject to discussion. Finally, the simulation includes individual work for the test administration of the questionnaire designed and the completion of the pre-test form (outside the laboratory hours).

Assessment methods

As indicated by the academic regulations of the course of study, the laboratory has the obligation to attend.

To certify the effective participation of students in a class, the teacher will collect the signatures of those present at every meeting. They are allowed a maximum of 4 absences.

Verification of learning will take place in two parts:

1) a (collective) evaluation of group work

2) an (individual) evaluation of the administration of five pre-test questionnaires and the related pre-test analysis sheet

Teaching tools

PowerPoint files and other documents used during the lessons will be at the student disposal on IOL.

Office hours

See the website of Veronica Moretti