Methods and Techniques in Sociological Research I

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Last updated on 2024-09-16.

Fields changed: Teaching methods and learning activities, Fórmula de cálculo da classificação final, Componentes de Avaliação e Ocupação, Obtenção de frequência, Avaliação especial

Teaching language

Objectives

To analyse the strategies of social research, steps of the research process and its nature and dynamics.
To promote the reflection and critical analysis of theoretical, methodological and ethical issues underlying empirical research in sociology.
To acquire and apply knowledge about observation and research project in sociology.

Learning outcomes and competences

Critical and reflective domain of theoretical and methodological process required by sociological research.
Ability to define and analyse theoretical problems based on a real situation of empirical research.
Critical and reflective approach to observation as a sociological research technique.
Ability to management theoretical and empirical information, to express oral and written knowledge and to work individually and in group, doing a research project.

Working method

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

Program

1. The production of sociological knowledge: paradigms and research strategies
1.1. Comparison of research paradigms and strategies and paradigmatic and methodological plurality in Sociology
1.2. Deductive, inductive and abdutive processes of sociological research
1.3. Scientific criteria and ethical issues raised by research
2. The process of empirical research in sociology
2.1. Epistemological acts, stages and tasks of research: the hypothetical-deductive design
2.2. Rupture and construction of the object: problem and theoretical issues
2.3. Model of analysis: hypotheses, concepts and indicators
2.4. Data collection and analysis: methodological recommendations
3. Observation in sociology
3.1. Methodological and operational framework and observer's role
3.2. Observation records: observing and taking notes; processing, analysing and presenting information
3.3. Final reflections about observation as empirical technique

Mandatory literature

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lecture lessons: analysis of program themes with theoretical exposure, empirical illustration and students’ participation in discussion. Tutorial lessons: there are practical activities like oral and written presentation of the research project; resolution of theoretical and empirical exercises related with the moments and tasks of research project; deepening of themes with the discussion of students’ research experiences. The students are supported in the collection and processing of information, research of bibliographical sources and preparation of research project. There are online additional informations about bibliography, tables of contents, assessment, pedagogical materials, discussion foruns and tutorial work.

keywords

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

Calculation formula of final grade

- written exam: 50%
- research project - 50% 
In order to be approved in this course, the final classification must be equal to or higher than 10 values. The classification of each component must be equal or higher than 8 values.
In the case of assessment on appeal, and for students who carry out a new research project under the stipulated terms, this component corresponds to 50%.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Internship work/project

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students who, under the law, and in accordance with the evaluation standards of FLUP, are exempted from attendance at classes, are required to contact the teacher at the beginning of the classes, for the purpose of clarification of respective knowledge assessment procedures.

Classification improvement

The improvement of final classification is carried out in accordance with the rules of FLUP. It is possible to improve the final classification in the exam component, doing a new exam.

Observations

The students should consult the assessment document and all materials available online.
The teacher will display at the beginning of the classes the opening hours for students.
Teacher contacts: 
Natália Azevedo
Office 248, Tower B
E-mail: nazevedo@letras.up.pt