88040 - Methodological Laboratory Of Social Research (B)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Workshop, students are able to master the basic knowledge of qualitative research and develop theoretical skills regarding the major techniques used (discursive interviews, focus groups and participant observation).

Learning the basic notions of the theory will allow them to critically develop the design of a qualitative research, also in view of the degree thesis.

In particular, the student will be able to: - know the theoretical assumptions necessary to set up a qualitative investigation; familiarize him/herself with the procedures for operationalizing the relevant concepts; explore data collection tools and analysis techniques to interpret the results obtained in light of the theories.

Course contents

The Workshop deals in detail with the field of social research consisting of the set of so-called qualitative techniques, whose procedures and phases are closely intertwined, starting from the fundamental moments of data collection and their analysis. This set of techniques can be divided into three broad categories, based on: direct observation, individual or group interviews, use of documents.

Subjects:

I. Participant observation

II. The qualitative interview (structured, semi-structured, free or in-depth)

III. The group interview (focus group)

IV. The use of documents (personal, institutional)

V. Action research (or research-intervention)

Readings/Bibliography

Since this is a laboratory activity that confers an "eligibility", the study of written texts is not required.

For those who are totally unfamiliar with the basic notions of social research, we recommend reading the following texts:

Corbetta P. (2015), Social research: methodology and techniques. I. "The paradigms of reference", Il Mulino, Bologna. 2nd Edition.
Corbetta P. (2015), Social research: methodology and techniques. III. "Qualitative techniques", Il Mulino, Bologna. 2nd Edition.

or another social research methodology manual, to be agreed with the teacher.

Teaching methods

The Workshop will consist of some frontal lessons - with extensive use of electronic and audio-visual tools - and group exercises.

Assessment methods

As indicated in the teaching regulations of the study course, the laboratory is compulsory to attend. To certify the effective participation of the students in the lessons, the teacher will collect the signatures of those present at each meeting.

To be eligible, the student must attend at least 70% of the lessons.

The laboratory does not assign a final grade. At the end of the course the student will be able to obtain eligibility.

The verification of the preparation and skills acquired during the laboratory activities will take place in written form.

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC, overhead projector, flipchart.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Bassi