91213 - METODOLOGIA DELLA RICERCA SOCIALE E POLITICA LM

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on key themes in empirical research methodology in social and political science domains. By the end of the course - which does not require prior skills - students will possess a basic knowledge of central topics concerning the epistemology of empirical research, be familiar with the main data collection techniques, be able to apply elements of logic in the preparation of research designs and in the interpretation of findings, be aware of the characteristics and problems inherent in the operationalisation of properties being researched, and be able to use techniques of univariate statistical analysis.

Course contents

The course explores the paradigms underlying social or political research; offers a review of tyoical of data collection techniques, their strengths and weaknesses; identifies isses underlying the acquisition of knowledge and the conceptual tools available to address them; emphasises operationalisation as an essential stage of any scientific investigation; highlights the distinguishing features of comparison; explains the structure and function of the data matrix; describes the main sampling techniques; illustrates univariate data analysis, data transformation, and elementary bivariate data analysis techniques; provides examples, both successful and less so, of pertinent topics.

Readings/Bibliography

Reference texts (for both attending and non-attending students) are the following:

G. Gasperoni, Fare ricerca, pp. 235-263, in Invito allo studio della società, a cura di P.P. Giglioli, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2005 (the text will be available at virtuale.unibo.it)

A. Marradi, La conoscenza: i problemi, Milano, Franco Angeli, 2022

A. Marradi, La conoscenza: gli strumenti, Milano, Franco Angeli, 2023

A. Marradi, Natura, forme e scopi della comparazione: un bilancio, pp. 292-321, in Metodo scientifico e ricerca politica, a cura di D. Fisichella, Roma, Nuova Italia Scientifica, 1985 (the text will be available at virtuale.unibo.it)

P. Corbetta, G. Gasperoni e M. Pisati, Statistica per la ricerca sociale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2001: chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 e 10

Teaching methods

Face-to-face lessons and practical exercises. Attendance is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

The exam is administered in exclusively *written* form and *in person* (on-line exams are no longer contemplated).

Candidates who pass the exam can refuse the final mark (thus requesting to re-take the exam) only once, in accordance with the university's teaching regulations. After having rejected a passing mark, any other subsequent passing mark will be recorded definitively in candidates' transcipts.

The only valid mark is the one achieved in the most recent attempt to pass the exam.

Please note that Art. 25, Paragraph 2 of the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the University of Bologna requires that "in course exams and degree programme final exams, students must refrain from conduct that may cause disturbance or obstacle or involve harmful and/or dishonest consequences towards other students and the institution. Plagiarism or copying of other people's texts or other behaviours that hinder a correct evaluation of exam performances are contrary to the principles of this Code”.

Office hours

See the website of Giancarlo Gasperoni