B3875 - Research Methods for the Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

The course aims to reconstruct the debate on the Method in the social sciences and aims to offer students a framework of the strategies and techniques of detection and analysis most frequently used in socio-political empirical research. The course is dedicated to students who have never dealt with topics related to the Method and techniques of Social Research, neither from the theoretical point of view nor from the empirical point of view. The course focuses on some central themes of the Methodology of empirical Research in the Social Sciences. At the end of the course the student is expected to: - have a basic knowledge of some central themes of the Epistemology of empirical Research; - know how to apply logic elements in the preparation of research design and in the interpretation of the results of an investigation; - to critically evaluate the quantitative and qualitative empirical investigations presented in journals and/or academic publications; - have the ability to find information by consulting the available databases; - use the basic statistical analysis techniques for the description of economic, political and social phenomena.

Course contents

This course introduces fundamental research methodologies in the social sciences, with particular attention to the various phases of the research process. The course is primarily aimed at students with limited prior experience in research methods, though it includes components that allow those with some foundational knowledge to engage in more advanced analysis. Students will cultivate analytical and methodological skills through sustained critical engagement with major research approaches, examining their theoretical foundations, design considerations, and practical applications. This learning trajectory will culminate in a final empirical project in which students formulate a research question, design an appropriate methodology, collect and analyse data, and present their findings in a scholarly format.

Acknowledging the heterogeneity of research traditions within the social sciences, the syllabus addresses overarching theoretical and epistemological frameworks, essential concepts and terminology, and all stages of the research process, including its ethical dimensions. Core topics include qualitative approaches, such as in-depth interviewing and case-study design, mixed-methods integration, and the ethical principles that guide every phase of scholarly inquiry.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts involved in designing and conducting research

• Formulate a clear research question and develop a research proposal

• Identify and independently use primary and secondary sources

• Evaluate the appropriateness of different research strategies

• Analyse the opportunities and challenges faced by social scientists in studying global societies

• Apply basic research, writing, analytical, and critical-thinking skills

Because of the course’s practical orientation, active participation in seminars and discussions is essential for achieving a strong evaluation.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested Readings (selected chapters)

Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D. (2017) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches [5th edition]. SAGE

Lamont, C. and Boduszynski, M. (2025) Research Methods in Politics and International Relations. SAGE

Patricia Leavy (ed.) (2020) The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research, Oxford University Press (selected chapters)

Curini, L., Franzese, R. (eds.) (2020) The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations. SAGE

Punch, K. (2014). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. London, Sage

Denzin Norman K. Lincoln, Yvonna S. Giardina, Michael D. Cannella Gaile S. (Eds) (2023) SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications

Additional reading suggestions will be provided throughout the course.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of lessons and seminars and will host special lectures from invited speakers. Group discussions and presentations will be integral to the course to enable students a direct participation in active learning methods.

Assessment methods

 

Teaching tools

The course uses active learning methods and includes lectures, class discussions and presentations, readings and use of real datasets in preparation for the lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Carla De Tona

See the website of Gianfranco Baldini

See the website of