The course aims to provide the basic tools for the correct setting procedures of empirical research, and to analyze the main problems that accompany social surveys. The course also aims to develop critical skills that allow students to choose and evaluate the empirical data useful for designing and planning social interventions.

1. Introduction to the empirical research foundations

2. Quantitative research

  2.1 Hypotheses and empirical translation

  2.2. Quantitative research: scales and measures

  2.3. The questionnaire.

  2.4 The experiment

  2.5 The Analysis of secondary data

  2.6. Statistical analysis of data

3. Qualitative research

  3.1 The observation

  3.2 The qualitative interview

  3.3 The focus group

  3.4. Categorization processes in qualitative research

4. The scientific explanation in sociology

  4.1 The problem of complexity

  4.2 Models and theories: the simulation method

Students should have a basic knowledge of statistics 

1.Understanding of the main issues and problems relating to research methodology in social studies. Knowledge of the main tools to do scientific research in social sciences.

1.1. Students will attain this knowledge by participating in lectures and studying the scientific texts proposed by the teacher and discussed in the classroom.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: students should consolidate skills and ability to define simple research projects and to deal with some typical problems.

2.1. Classroom discussions, tutorials, study of texts.

3. Capacity of judgment: students should achieve criticism about the methods used in the most common empirical investigations.

4. Communication skills: discussion coordinated by the teacher on the course topics.

4.1. Development of opportunities for dialogue in the classroom.

5. Learning skills: development of critical skills, logic and problem analysis.

5.1. Classroom discussions, tutorials, study of texts

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Practices coordinated by professor and research fellows.

Teaching

Lectures and practical applications on empirical research.

Attendance

Participation in at least three quarters of the lessons and practices.

Course books

1.     Bryman, A. Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press, 2008.

2. Gilbert, N. and ,Troitzsch, K., Simulation For The Social Scientist, Open University Press, 2005.

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting.

It is possibile to present a written document on a topic agreed with the teacher. 

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Study of texts

Attendance

Study of texts

Course books

1.  Bryman, A. Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press, 2008.

2. Gilbert, N. and ,Troitzsch, K., Simulation For The Social Scientist, Open University Press, 2005.

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting.

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.