Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the epistemological and methodological foundations of social research and the main stages of the empirical research process. Particular attention will be paid to research design, the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, the definition and operationalization of concepts, as well as the main methods and tools of qualitative and quantitative research.

CORBETTA Piergiorgio, Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale. Seconda Edizione, Il Mulino, Bologna. Capitoli: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12.

The course aims to provide students with the basic theoretical and methodological knowledge needed to understand the main stages of the research process in the social sciences. It also aims to provide them with the tools to recognize the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches and to understand the main choices involved in research design and in the use of empirical data collection methods.

No specific prior knowledge or skills are required. There are no prerequisites.

The course consists of lectures characterized by continuous interaction with students and devoted to the presentation and discussion of the main theoretical and methodological concepts. Teaching activities are complemented by the analysis of examples of empirical research and by group work aimed at applying the concepts covered and developing the ability to critically discuss key methodological choices. Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects

The three open-ended questions carry a maximum of 21 points (7 points for each question), while the five multiple-choice questions carry a maximum of 9 points (1.8 points for each correct answer). The final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, is determined by the sum of the scores obtained in the two sections. To pass the examination, students must obtain an overall score of at least 18/30 and at least 12/21 in the open-ended questions.
The open-ended questions are assessed on the basis of the accuracy and completeness of the content, the appropriate use of methodological concepts and terminology, and the ability to establish relevant connections between different topics. A more in-depth knowledge of the course content and a greater ability to connect and apply concepts contribute to achieving higher grades.

Part One – Epistemological and Methodological Foundations of Social Research
The scientific method and the methodology of the social sciences. Ontological, epistemological, and methodological issues in social research. The main paradigms of social research. Research design. Two different approaches to understanding social reality: quantitative and qualitative research.
Part Two – Qualitative Research
The structure and main stages of qualitative research. Participant observation. Qualitative interviewing and in-depth interviewing. Focus groups. The use of documents. Qualitative data analysis.
Part Three – Quantitative Research
The structure and main stages of quantitative research. The research problem and research question. Formulation of hypotheses. Concepts, properties, and variables. Units of analysis. Indicators and the operationalization of concepts. Dependent and independent variables. Survey research. Questionnaire design and question formulation. Organization of data collection.
Integration of the Gender Dimension
The gender dimension will be integrated into the research examples presented during the course and considered as a possible analytical dimension in the formulation of research questions and hypotheses and in the construction of variables.

Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the main paradigms of social research, the fundamental stages of research design, and the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to identify the main components of a research design, understand the relationship between research questions and methodological choices, and distinguish the characteristics and uses of the main data collection methods.
Making Judgements
Students will be able to assess the appropriateness of the main methodological choices in relation to simple research problems and questions.
Communication Skills
Students will be able to use the fundamental terminology of social research methodology appropriately.
Learning Skills
Students will be able to use the methodological knowledge acquired to understand and analyze simple examples of social research.