08829 - Social Research Methodology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able: to know the methodological issues related to sociological research in formal and informal training environments; - to know the main research designs and both quantitative and qualitative methods of research; - to know tools and methods to realize empirical research on training policies, the market and work organizations; - to make a connection between multiple variables to perform complex analysis of adult education and training phenomena; - to design a case study to deepen the knowledge of social phenomena related to the training dynamics and reflect autonomously upon them; - to structure a social research project presentation and report on progress the results of an empirical research; - to communicate clearly and correctly the results of an social research using different communication channels and registers

Course contents

• The paradigms of social research
• Quantitative research approach: The empirical operationalization; Survey method; statistical sources
• Some elements of descriptive statistics
• Qualitative research approach: introduction
• Techniques of qualitative research: In-depth interview; Participant observation; Document analysis
• Qualitative/quantitative methods of empirical research in Sociology: Examples from classical and contemporary studies
• How to write a research project

Readings/Bibliography

Corbetta P., Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014 (second edition):

chap 1, chap. 2, chap. 3, chap. 5, chap. 6, chap. 8, chap. 10, chap. 11, chap. 12, chap. 13 (all except sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1), chap. 14 (all except sections 3, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.2, 7.3)

Power point presentations, papers, articles available, since December 2021, on the website https://virtuale.unibo.it/ (mandatory for attending and non-attending students)

Incoming international students can contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course to agree an alternative bibliography in English language.

Teaching methods

Lessons will be taught in presence. During the course some lessons will be dedicated to practical exercises and data analysis exercises.

Assessment methods

 

 

The assessment of learning takes place through the final exam, which verifies the acquisition of knowledge through a written test at a distance. There are no differences between attending and non-attending students.

Specifications of the examination

The test will consist of 3 open questions and 1 data analysis exercises. The maximum time to complete this test is 70 minutes.

Further specifications

During the test, students are allowed to use the calculator that performs only this function (e.g. it is not possible to use the calculator of smartphone/tablet/laptop). The exam result is communicated to the student by Almaesami; students can accept or refuse the score within the terms provided by the University Didactic Regulations.

For Erasmus students

The exam for Erasmus students will be written and will consist of 3 open questions and 1 data analysis exercises (as for the Italian students)

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, PC

Office hours

See the website of Dario Tuorto

See the website of Marco Trentini

See the website of Pasquale Colloca

See the website of Maria Teresa Tagliaventi