82216 - Laboratory Of Qualitative Social Research 1

Learning outcomes

 The course aims to allow students to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills useful for the design and conduct of a study carried out with qualitative research techniques (participant and / or naturalistic observation, discursive interview, focus group, digital ethnography) through exercises in small groups having as their object specific phenomena of social interest. At the end of the laboratory course the student will be able to formulate precise research questions, translate and operationally articulate these questions in data collection and analysis techniques, understand and critically evaluate the results of qualitative empirical research on themes of the social sciences.

Course contents

At the end of the course, students are able to master the basic knowledge of qualitative research and to develop theoretical and empirical skills about one of the main techniques used (discursive interview). Learning the basic notions of the theory will make it possible to critically elaborate the design of a qualitative research, also in view of the degree thesis. In particular, the student will be able to: - know the theoretical assumptions necessary to set up a qualitative survey; become familiar with the operating procedures of the relevant concepts; explore the tools of data collection and analysis techniques to interpret the results obtained in the light of the theories.
Introduction to qualitative research:
- what is it?
- why is it done?
- how to set it up?
- case setting and sampling
The interview:
1) Discursive interview
- what are the types of interviews?
- sampling
- build the track
- conducting the interview
- the transcript of the interview
Analysis of empirical documentation and writing
- the steps of the analysis
- primary, secondary and meta-analysis
- writing
As indicated in the didactic regulations of the Degree Program, the laboratory is obliged to attend. A maximum of 4 absences are allowed.
As this is an exam with compulsory attendance, there is no course for non-attending students. The reference tutor will help in carrying out the lessons and will provide support to the students

Readings/Bibliography

The course does not require the use of specific manuals / texts, however the teacher strongly recommends reading the following text:

Cardano M. (2011), Qualitative research, Bologna il Mulino

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons with the use of supports.

Discussion of empirical cases and exercises. The laboratory also foresees the realization of a research project aimed at field experimentation of the main data collection techniques. The maximum collaboration is therefore expected from the students present.

Assessment methods

Teaching tools

Verification of learning will take place in two parts:
1) a (collective) evaluation of group work
2) an (individual) evaluation of the administration of a semi-structured interview
Evaluation criteria adopted:
- knowledge of the didactic program
- ability of critical argumentation with respect to the topic foreseen in the research project
- spontaneous study on national / international literature
The project will also be presented during the last lessons in the classroom.

Office hours

See the website of Veronica Moretti