SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The course provides an understanding of the main methodological issues in social research, and represents a space to explore concrete research problems and projects in the social sciences.

At the end of the course students will be
- able to deconstruct and to formulate a research problem in the social sciences
- aware of the role of theory in the research process and in the formulation of a research project
- aware of the connections between research problem, theory, research questions and (working) hypotheses
- able to critically assess the choice of research methods, their advantages and shortcomings in addressing a research question
- aware of the ethical implications of social research and concrete projects
- able to critically reflect on the societal and scientific relevance of a piece of research
- elaborate their own research project and critically reflect on it

There are no pre-requirements.

The course introduces, discusses and elaborates on the basic components of the social research process:
- The research problem, its aims and relevance
- Types of research questions
- The research strategy and research design
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Ethical issues

Students will be guided to formulate and develop their own research project.

Readings will be provided at the beginning of classes.

Written exam.

It will possible to take jntermediate tests that allow exemption from parts of the written exam.

Please refer to the Moodle page of the course for more information.

written

Concerning grading (how the marks will be given):
Scores in the 18-22 range will be given in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning the examination materials;
- sufficient originality and accuracy of the project;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of language specific social policies.

Scores in band 23-26 will be given in the presence of:
- fair knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning the examination materials;
- discrete originality and accuracy of the project;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of language specific to social policies.

Scores in the 27-30 range will be given in the presence of:
- good or excellent knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning examination materials
- good or excellent originality and accuracy of the project;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially concerning the use of language specific to social policy.
Honours will be given for knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning the syllabus, judgement and communication skills programme, judgement and communication skills, excellent.

Lectures and workshops, including individual and group activities, and use of multimedia tools through Moodle.
Students will be guided to formulate and develop their own research project.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development