82129 - Methodology and Technique of Social Research

Learning outcomes

Knowledge about research methodology and the ability to identify the best method according to topics, hypothesis and available resources (human, economic and temporal limits).

Course contents

During the course the main methodology techniques of research and their relations with epistemological theories will be discussed, in according to a pluralistic model based on methodological integration. The aim is to provide the knowledge necessary to identify the best technique within different settings.

The course is divided into two parts: the first part is based on the handbook and shows the main epistemological choices, the second one focuses on Mixed Methods, e-Methods and Big Data.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Marradi, Metodologia delle scienze sociali, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007.

M. Cardano, Tecniche di ricerca qualitativa. Percorsi di ricerca nelle scienze sociali, Carocci, Roma, 2012.

E. Ammaturo e G. Punziano, I Mixed Methods nella ricerca sociale, Carocci, Roma, 2016.

L. Lombi, La ricerca sociale al tempo dei Big Data: sfide e prospettive, "Studi di sociologia", n. 2, 2015: 215-227.

Students may choose a different exam program only with the instructor's approval.

Teaching methods

Lectures. To facilitate learning, lectures are organized into a logical sequence:

1) general principles and frameworks of empirical research: basic concepts, link between epistemology, methodology and techniques; research questions; types of research.

2) the cycle of statistical research: the questionnaire and the statistical treatment of data; analysis of statistical data.

3) the cycle of empathic research: the interview, the participant observation, the content analysis.

4) the new frontiers of research: Mixed Methods, e-Methods and Big Data.

During each lecture, the instructor will handle each topic in its essential components, with the support of PowerPoint slides and giving practical examples of research.

Within the download area of the course website, PowerPoint presentations will be available a week before each lessons (you can clearly identify file by topic and date).

It is recommended to print all lecture notes to facilitate the learning process. Please note that slides do not replace suggested books, they are a studyng support.

Assessment methods

Students may decide if attending or not. To be considered an attender, students have to attend the institutional or the tutorial course. The latter is addressed to workers-students and to people in debt of exam which, for reasons of overlapping time, can not attend to the institutional course.

The examination is the same for students attending and not attending, only the evaluation process is different.

NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS: a final discussion based on the whole program during the summer session (June, July and September).

ATTENDING STUDENTS: two written tests and a final oral discussion.

To certify the participation of students in the class, the instructor will collect the signatures of those present at every meeting. Students are allowed a maximum of 2 absences during the first part of the course to access the first partial test.

STUDENTS MAY ATTEND THE SECOND WRITTEN TEST ONLY IF THEY PASS THE FIRST TEST.

Each written tests will contribute for the 20% of the overall assessment. The score, out of thirty, will correspond to the sum of the points awarded for each correct answer. Wrong answers are not assigned points (or subtract points to the total vote). To pass the written test, the score should be equal or greater than 18/30.

Students who pass the two partial writings exams can not refuse one, or both, marks obtained. Marks are valid until the September 2018 exam session. Those who do not pass (or exceed) the third part of the examination beyond that date will have to repeat the full test.

As for the final oral exam, assessment criteria relate to three areas:

1. the ability of defining the subject and to develop it in its essential components;

2. accuracy in the discussion of the individual components of the topic;

3. mastery of expository style.

To pass the examination the exact execution of the first point is required.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slide.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Cremonini