Class Research Methods in Social Sciences

This curricular unit consists in an initiation to the fundaments of scientific research, focusing on the most used methods in social sciences research. More specifically, the curricular unit addresses  general concepts of academic research, an introduction to the scientific method, different research approaches in social sciences, research ethics, and a detailed approach of the social sciences research process. The latter includes the definition of the research question, exploration, problem definition, and planning of data collection and analysis.

Not applicable

Introduction to methodology The scientific method Styles of reasoning Fallacies Approaches to research Quantitative and qualitative Pure/theoretical and applied Cross-sectional and longitudinal Validity and ethics in research Validity x Truth Epistemic responsibility Fraud in research The research process Rupture Construction Verification The starting question Clarity Feasibility Relevance Exploration Reading Exploratory Interviews Citations The problematic The analysis model Hypotheses Operative and systemic concepts Data collection and analysis Definition of relevant data The field of analysis and the observation units Collection and analysis instruments

The program content is designed to foster the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and its practical application. Classes include lectures followed by activities, which are prepared in advance by students using materials provided by the instructor. The activities incorporate quizzes, encouraging students to test their knowledge, as well as a collaborative teaching methodology in which students are responsible for learning and teaching a specific part of the content to their peers. Sessions also feature practical demonstrations of reference management tools (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero). Assessment consists of three components: Activities (30%) – Continuous participation in homework and in-class activities, including attendance and behavior; Empirical Work (30%) – Completion of an academic paper, including objective, methods, data collection, etc.; and Test (40%) – Objective evaluation at the end of the semester.

Adams, J. Hafiz , T.A., Raeside, R. & White , D. (2007). Research methods for graduate business and social science students , New Dehli , Sage Publications Quivy, R. & Campenhoudt , L.V. (2005). Manual de investigação em ciências sociais. Lisboa: Gradiva (Edição de 1992) Cargill, M., & O'Connor, P. (2021). Writing scientific research articles: Strategy and steps. John Wiley & Sons. Silva, A. S., & Pinto, J. M. (Eds.). (1999). Metodologia das Ciências Sociais. Porto: Edições Afrontamento (Edição de 1986)