82141 - Laboratory Of Qualitative Social Research 1

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills useful for the design and conduct of research carried out using qualitative methods and techniques (individual and group interviews, analysis of biographical material, direct observation, etc.); in reference to the implementation and outcomes of social programs and interventions. In particular through research exercises on specific areas and specific aspects of social demand and policy measures. At the end of the workshop, the student will be able to elaborate, establish the most appropriate empirical strategy and articulate operationally Research Questions related to the offer and the effects of welfare interventions.

Course contents

The laboratory deals with the area of Social Research in a detailed way, made up of the so-called Qualitative techniques, whose procedures and phases are closely intertwined, starting from the fundamental moments of data collection and analysis. This set of techniques can be divided into three broad categories, based on: Direct Observation, Individual or Group Interviews, Documents Analysis.

Topics:

I. Participant observation

II. Qualitative interview (structured, semi-structured, free or deep)

III. Group interview (Focus Group)

IV. Use of documents (personal, institutional)

V. Action Research (Intervention Research; Evaluation Research)

Readings/Bibliography

To undertake the final exam, the student should be prepared reading the following texts:

1) Corbetta P. (2015), La ricerca sociale: metodologia e tecniche. III. Le tecniche qualitative, Il Mulino, Bologna. 2^ Edizione.

2) Bassi A. (2019), Questioni di metodo 2.0, Franco Angeli, Milano.

Letture consigliate:

- Gui Luigi (2018) (a cura di), Altervisione. Un metodo di costruzione condivisa del sapere professionale nel servizio sociale, Franco Angeli, Milano.

- Niero Mauro (2008), Il Mix fra Qualità e Quantità nella Ricerca Sociale, QuiEdit, Verona.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of lectures - with use of electronic and audio visual instruments - and a series of group exercises.

Assessment methods

The final evaluation will consist of a short paper (4-5 pages) concerning the research activities on the topics illustrated during the course.

Teaching tools

Video Projector, PC, Overhead Projector, flip chart.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Bassi