Questionnaire and interview as data collection tools in a research design. The development of an evaluation of the related epistemological aspects.

Learning of the theoretical and practical aspects related to the construction of questionnaires: types and areas of application, preparation of the conceptual scheme, "wording", closed and open questions, types and formats of response, cover letter.

Theoretical and practical aspects related to the conduct of interviews: design and construction of the interview outline, the interviewee/interviewer relationship, communication in interviews.

Epistemological aspects and research methods with qualitative methods.

The course program develops three research areas related to epistemology and quantitative, qualitative and quali/quantitative research methods (mixed methods or blended methods).

Week 1 – Psychology as a science; Interview and questionnaire as research tools. Definition of educational objectives. Elements of Epistemology.

Week 2 – Epistemology and research design. The elements of research into their relationships. The ‘actors’ of the reearch. Establishment of “working groups”.

Week 3 – The Questionnaire: definition and structure. The research design (questionnaire, interviews, tests). Measuring instruments and measuring scales.

Week 4 – The questions and answer alternatives. Tupe of questions. Items and response types. Structuring a research protocol. Construction of items (work groups).

Week 5 – Presentation of an international research (University of Urbino, University of Leed). Construction of research questionnaire. (elaboration of the working groups).

Week 6 – Administration of a questionnaire. The ‘focus group’-

Week 7 – Observation. Observation and theoretical constructs. Attachment theory.

Week 8 – Introduction to Qualitative Methods.Analysis of language and communication. Social interaction, epistemologies and research practices.

Week 9 – Software for quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis. Presentation of the results of the working groups. Conclusions.  

The student must shows to get: ( DESCRIPTORS OF DUBLIN)

- Knowledge and understanding: understanding of the methodological principles and data collection tools of scientific research in psychology and, in particular, research in social psychology.

- Applying knowledge and understanding: acquisition and development of the ability to design a research protocol and to interpret the results obtained.

- Making judgements:  acquisition and development of the ability to use knowledge and methodological concepts for the evaluation and description of a research design.

- Communication skill: acquisition of specific language for the description of research protocols.

- Learning skills: Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired good autonomy in selecting the most suitable tools for structuring a research design.

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

Teaching

The course program develops three research areas related to epistemology and quantitative, qualitative and quali/quantitative research methods (mixed methods or blended methods).

The course aims to provide basic and specialized knowledge related to the design, construction, administration and analysis of interviews and questionnaires with particular reference to the most widespread formats and techniques in psychological and psychosocial research. The main characteristics, advantages and limitations of each instrument and its techniques will be outlined. Starting from the theoretical and epistemological premises, the teaching proposal aims to offer a practical declination that allows to construct, administer and critically analyze different types of questions, with particular attention to possible distortions, to the succession and formulation of the same. The course is centered on an active teaching that alternates presentation of theoretical aspects and practical exercises; individual and group work in the classroom and at home.

Course books

Zammuner V.L., Tecniche dell'intervista e del questionario, Il Mulino.

Mazzara B.M., Metodi qualitativi in Psicologia Sociale, Carocci.

Assessment

Written exam.

The written exam consists of three questions relating to the course program. The candidate is required to formulate a written answer for each of the questions formulated. Knowledge of the program, understanding of theoretical aspects and corresponding methodologies, and presentation skills are the subject of evaluation and assignment of a grade.

The evaluation criteria are the following: relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the contents of the program; the degree of articulation of the answer, adequacy of the language used; application/operational ability. The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths.  “

The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths and is determined by the following scale:

• less than 18: insufficient level of competence.

• 18-20: sufficient level of competence.

• 21-23: fully sufficient level of competence.

• 24-26: good level of competence.

• 27-30: excellent level of competence.

• 30 cum laude: excellent level of competence. “

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

In order to give non-attending students the opportunity to compensate for what is covered during the lessons with independent study, we recommend using all the materials included in the blended platform (slides, exercises, supplementary material) which are particularly useful for fully understanding the contents of the program.

The teaching material, lesson slides, in-depth materials, specific bibliographies are available on the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Course books

Zammuner V.L., Tecniche dell'intervista e del questionario, Il Mulino.

Mazzara B.M., Metodi qualitativi in Psicologia Sociale, Carocci.

Assessment

Written exam.

The written exam consists of three questions relating to the course program. The candidate is required to formulate a written answer for each of the questions formulated. Knowledge of the program, understanding of theoretical aspects and corresponding methodologies, and presentation skills are the subject of evaluation and assignment of a grade.

The evaluation criteria are the following: relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the contents of the program; the degree of articulation of the answer, adequacy of the language used; application/operational ability. The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths.  “

The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths and is determined by the following scale:

• less than 18: insufficient level of competence.

• 18-20: sufficient level of competence.

• 21-23: fully sufficient level of competence.

• 24-26: good level of competence.

• 27-30: excellent level of competence.

• 30 cum laude: excellent level of competence. “

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.