Class Advanced Methods of Research

This course unit intends that the students develop the necessary skills for the practice of scientific research, as well as for the critical analysis of empirical studies in the area

Not applicable

1. Conceptualization of the research framework    1.1 The construction of the research object    1.2 The theory and the delimitation of the theoretical problematic: the construction of the analysis model    1.3 The ethical issues in social research 2. Choice of methods and techniques for collection and analysis    2.1 Theoretical assumptions of qualitative and quantitative methods    2.2 The choice of research methods    2.3 The main data collection techniques    2.4 The main data analysis techniques 3. Operationalization of the research process    3.1. The access and selection of the empirical field    3.2 Definition and negotiation of roles (of the researcher)    3.3 The selection of the universe and sample 4. The Writing Process    4.1 General structure of presentation    4.2. Discourse construction; writing styles, common mistakes    4.3. The citations    4.4. The bibliographical references

The course unit adopts a pedagogical approach based on active, reflective, and critical learning, combining traditional methods with innovative strategies that foster student autonomy and scientific thinking. This approach is suited to the advanced level of the programme and to master's students who are in the process of designing their research projects. Assessment follows a continuous model focused on the development of analytical, reflective, and methodological skills, and includes: (1) an individual final paper (80%); and (2) practical in-class exercises (20%). The final paper involves a critical analysis of 10 scientific articles related to the student's dissertation topic, promoting in-depth methodological reading of the literature, with attention to diverse approaches, techniques, and epistemological foundations in social science research. Failure in continuous assessment implies a resit exam or written assignment (100%), with a minimum passing grade of 10 out of 20.

Bryman, A., Bell, E., Reck, J., & Fields, J. (2021). Social research methods. Oxford University Press, Incorporated. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. King, G., Keohane, R. O., & Verba, S. (2021). Designing social inquiry: Scientific inference in qualitative research (New ed.). Princeton University Press. Gronmo, S. (2023). Social research methods: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications. Olsen, W. (2022). Systematic mixed-methods research for social scientists. Springer International Publishing. Jha, A. (2023). Social research methodology: Qualitative and quantitative designs. Taylor & Francis.