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

In social work, planning is necessarily associated with an ongoing research perspective. The data collection, data reading, data analysis and research activities form the basis for the definition of interventions, their monitoring and evaluation.
The course will deal with the techniques and methods of data collection and analysis, which are fundamental for both social planning and the preparation of the thesis in its empirical part.
After introducing how a research project is set up, we will focus on the traditional distinction between qualitative and quantitative techniques.
In the case of the former, reference will be made to participant observation, interviews and the use of documents. An overview will be given to action research and self-narratives through the use of audio-visual technology (digital narrative, participatory video, video diary) and artefacts.
With regard to quantitative techniques, the sample survey, statistical sources, some basic elements of descriptive statistics will be presented.

Readings/Bibliography

For all (attending and not):

- Corbetta P., Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014.

Chap. 1(reading only), 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, 7.4).

 

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

Only chap. 4 and 5.

 

The two books are available on Pandoracampus where individual chapters can also be accessed for a fee.

https://www.pandoracampus.it/pandora/booksheet/index/ean13/9788815252135

https://www.pandoracampus.it/pandora/booksheet/index/ean13/9788815290229

 

- An article on action research that will be available in Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/):

Maria Teresa Tagliaventi, Per una scuola inclusiva per tutti: riflessioni a partire dal progetto RISE (Roma Inclusive School Experiences) «EDUCAZIONE INTERCULTURALE», 2021, 19, Article number: 1, pp. 3 – 17, Open Access

 

 

 

 

Teaching methods

Lecturers, practical exercises and data analysis exercises.

Assessment methods

Non-attending students
The exam will be written and will consist of two open questions (with limited answer length) and an analysis exercise, 60 minutes.

Attending students (80% attendance of lectures)
The exam will be written and will consist of one open question (choice between two) (with limited length of answer), 30 minutes. The exercises carried out in the lectures will also be graded.

 

To take the exam, students must register in Alma Esami. (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm). Please note that for written exam registrations close one week before the exam date.

Teaching tools

Slides and papers available on Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/)

Office hours

See the website of Marco Trentini

See the website of Maria Teresa Tagliaventi