82141 - Laboratory Of Qualitative Social Research 2 and Social Intervention

Learning outcomes

The course aims to deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to social research carried out with qualitative creative methods through laboratory exercises that aim to analyse emerging social phenomena. In particular, some methodological approaches of a participatory nature and based on creative methods, such as action research, arts-based research, photovoice and mapping, will be explored in the course. At the end of the workshop, students will acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to design and carry out social research by adopting a qualitative methodology based on creative and participatory methods. Moreover, they will be able to critically analyse the results emerging from empirical social research.

Course contents

Over the last few decades, qualitative social research has been enriched with various tools and methods that, by adopting a participatory and creative approach, are essential for investigating emerging social phenomena. Such methods are able to open up social research to the participants, sometimes fostering processes of knowledge co-construction. During the workshop, therefore, an attempt will be made to understand and explore the main creative methods that can be adopted in social research, their characteristics and limitations. Furthermore, it will focus on the phase of choosing research methods according to the questions that are formulated, but also on the process of data collection, analysis and dissemination.

In particular, the workshop will cover the following topics:

- Introduction to creative qualitative methods;

- In-depth study of some creative methods (e.g. photovoice, mapping, performative methods, etc.), from the choice of the method to data collection and analysis;

- Action research;

- Analysis of the peculiarities and criticalities of creative and participatory qualitative methods;

- Ethics in qualitative social research;

- Dissemination of results.

The in-depth study of specific qualitative methods will be accompanied by the presentation and analysis of various social research that will facilitate the learning of theoretical, methodological and practical knowledge.

Readings/Bibliography

Giorgi, A., Pizzolati, M., Vacchelli, E. (2021). Metodi creativi per la ricerca sociale. Contesto, pratiche e strumenti. Bologna, Il Mulino.

Teaching methods

The course favours an approach based on participative and active teaching. The workshop is subdivided into thematic blocks and will be supported by technological materials, in-depth discussions on concrete social research cases, practical exercises, and collective analysis of research projects. In particular, the course will be structured around the discussion of empirical cases of qualitative social research and classroom exercises. The workshop will also include the realisation of a research project aimed at testing in the field the qualitative methods introduced.

Assessment methods

As stated in the course regulation (Regolamento Didattico), the workshop requires compulsory attendance. For this reason, a maximum of four absences are permitted and there no course is available for non-attenders. At the end of the course, students will have to develop a research project based on the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the course (75% of the final grade) through group work. Since this is a workshop with compulsory attendance, the final assessment will also take into account classroom participation (25% of the final mark).

Specifically, the following will be assessed: active participation in class, realisation and presentation of the research project and critical evaluation of the results achieved during the research.

Teaching tools

PPTs related to the topics addressed during the course, possible in-depth study with audiovisual material and group work. An extensive bibliography in Italian, English and French will be provided for those wishing to study the workshop subject in greater depth.

Office hours

See the website of Melissa Moralli