Seminar in Advanced Sociological Methodology

Code:

DSOC005

Acronym:

SMSA

Instance: 2015/2016 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Sociology
Course/CS Responsible:	Third cycle of studies in Sociology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
DSOC	10	DSOC - Study Plan	1	-	6	-

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The overall goal is to consolidate methodological skills that help students plan for a research project while being fully aware of its components and of the different research paradigms available. The specific goals encompass: acquiring advanced knowledge on how to put into practice the hermeneutic and the explanatory research paradigms; building a critical and reflexive stance towards the different research paradigms; getting in touch with innovative approaches to sociological research.

 

 

Learning outcomes and competences

Students will be capable of approaching different research programs from a critical and reflexive perspective in order to select the most adequate framework for their own research plan. Students will be proficient in the use of the research techniques that stem from engaging with different research paradig

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Not applicable. 

Program

1.     Research paradigms in sociological research

2.     Research design: qualitative,  quantitative and mix research designs.

3.     The hermeneutical paradigm in sociological research.

3.1. Inductive analysis and grounded theory 

3.2. Building a potential interpreting model. The focus on meaning

3.4. Sampling problems and validity in qualitative research

4.     Modelling reality and sociological explanation.

4.1. Structural models and hypotheses testing approaches

4.2. Latent models and exploratory explanation

4.3. Validity and reliability of measurement

5. Reflexivity and ethics in sociological research

Mandatory literature

BURTON, Dawn (2000) – Research training for social scientists: a handbook for postgraduate researchers. London: Sage Publications. ISBN 0-7619-6351-0.
Blalock Jr., Hubert M.; Social statistics. ISBN: 0-07-005752-4
CRESWELL, John (1994) - Research design: qualitative & quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. ISBN 0-8039-5255-4.
DELANTY, Gerard (1997) - Social science: beyond constructivism and realism. Buckingham: Open University Press. ISBN 0-335-19861-9.
MELUCCI, A. (2005 [1998]) - Por uma sociologia reflexiva. Pesquisa qualitativa e cultura. Petrópolis: Editora Vozes. ISBN 85-3263-171-1.
MURRAY, Thomas R. (2006) - Blending qualitative & quantitative research methods in theses and dissertations. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press. ISBN 0-7619-3932-6.
PESTANA, Maria Helena; GAGEIRO, José ; Análise de dados para as Ciências Sociais - a complementaridade do SPSS, Silabo, 2000
RAGIN, Charles C. (1994) - Constructing social research: the unity and diversity of method. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press. ISBN 0-8039-9021-9.

Comments from the literature

Will be given additional bibliographical information for each program item and according to the needs felt by the students.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The contents in the syllabus are approached combining lectures on each topic with empirical demonstrations where students are actively engaged and share their research experiences. Some specific activities are planned with the goal of consolidating skills by mean of a hands-on approach. These activities include the submission of reflexive learning portfolios (RLP) and the participation in debate round tables. Students are expected to prepare their participation in the oral discussion of the different topics and are then called to register the results of the discussion in writing. All the course material, suggested readings and session contents are made available in Sigarra. Classes on statistical techniques take place in a computer room.

 

 

Software

Endnote
Spss
Ideapuzzle

keywords

Social sciences > Sociology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	25,00
Trabalho escrito	75,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	106,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Students are assessed by the work they do in the reflexive learming portfolios (RLP) and by their participation.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final grade is obtained from the following weights: - 3 RLP - 75%; - Attendance and participation - 25%

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not aplicable.

Classification improvement

Not aplicable.

Observations

It is edited into a course page one dossier that meets a set of detailed information on the operation of the course. It is essential that you carefully read this file. The teaching materials are provided by teachers on the course page. A basic bibliography of the subject is required reading. Other bibliographies are given by teachers in the files to support the discipline. Hours for students: according to the availability of students and teachers. Its requires appointment by the student.