ISLA IPGT 9485

Research Methods in Social Sciences

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  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.
• ProgramaProgramme

  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
• ObjectivosObjectives

  By the end of the course unit, the students are expected to be able to: Apply basic concepts of research and critical reasoning from the social sciences to academic works. Differentiate between various research approaches and select the most appropriate for the academc works. Conduct research that generates valid results in an ethical manner. Deconstruct a research project into the different stages and acts of the research process Formulate a clear, feasible and relevant research question. Conduct an exploration process suitable for the research problem. Define research problem and express it through questions and/or hypotheses. Select a sample, data collection method appropriate for the academic works. Select a data analysis strategy (qualitative or quantitative) that aligns with the research objectives.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  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)
• MetodologiaMethodology

  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.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  8
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não
• AvaliaçãoEvaluation

  Descrição dos instrumentos de avaliação (individuais e de grupo) ¿ testes, trabalhos práticos, relatórios, projetos... respetivas datas de entrega/apresentação... e ponderação na nota final.

  Exemplo:

  Descrição	Data limite	Ponderação
  Primeiro Trabalho	10-11-2022	20%
  Trabalho final	18-01-2023	30%
  Teste	A definir	30%
  Avaliação constante	Todo o semestre	20%

   

  Adicionalmente poderão ser incluídas informações gerais, como por exemplo, referência ao tipo de acompanhamento a prestar ao estudante na realização dos trabalhos; referências bibliográficas e websites úteis; indicações para a redação de trabalho escrito...