Sociology and social research - METODI DI RICERCA SOCIALE (2017/2018)

Learning outcomes

LECTURES

The course aims to provide basic knowledge of methods and techniques of social research, with particular attention to the typical social worl contexts. The course will cover some forms of research and related techniques in both quantitative (questionnaire / web survey) and qualitative (interviews, focus groups, narratives) and in mixed-methods optics. General aim of this course will be to provide students with the cognitive and analytical tools to read, critically analyze, set up social research in their future competences and to formulate empirically-based interpretations / explanations.
The course provides a part of lessons where the topics will be addressed through frontal lessons, within which you will always try to offer examples and application possibilities related to the world of social service and the profession of social worker.


PRACTICAL CLASSES

The course aims to provide basic knowledge of methods and techniques of social research, with particular attention to the typical social worl contexts.
The course will cover some forms of research and related techniques in both quantitative (questionnaire / web survey) and qualitative (interviews, focus groups, narratives) and in mixed-methods optics.
General aim of this course will be to provide students with the cognitive and analytical tools to read, critically analyze, set up social research in their future competences and to formulate empirically-based interpretations / explanations.
The part of the tutorial course will see the students engaged in practical and firsthand experimenting with the research techniques. The teacher will provide the necessary materials from time to time and / or ask the students to bring ad hoc materials for each exercise.

Syllabus

LECTURES

The course introduces the different patterns of social research, illustrating its typical phases, investigation techniques, collection / detection / co-construction of data and information, data analysis (descriptive statistics) and information (qualitative analysis of content), the spendiness of research, the sense of research in social service environments.
The course does not require specific prior knowledge. The course does not require specific prior knowledge.
Lesson Schedule
1. General introduction to social research paradigms.
2. Quantitative Research (Approaches, Theories, Survey Techniques).
3. Qualitative research (approaches, theories, investigation techniques).
4. Research applications for some social service issues.
5. Social Search in the Web: Tools, Potential, Limits.

PRACTICAL CLASSES

The course introduces the different patterns of social research, illustrating its typical phases, investigation techniques, collection / detection / co-construction of data and information, data analysis (descriptive statistics) and information (qualitative analysis of content), the spendiness of research, the sense of research in social service environments.
CONTENT OF EXERCISES
1. Design and construction of a research project.
2. Using 2.0 Technologies to Implement Online / Quantitative Search (Using the Google Drive Package): Build a Survey Survey Questionnaire.
3. Telling: biographical techniques and biographical tools.
4. Read a research in a critical way.

Assessment methods and criteria

Examination consists of two distinct parts.
First part. Written exam: 3 open questions about the topics of the lessons and the texts indicated in the program.
Examination concerns:
- understanding of the main concepts discussed in the course;
- clarity of exposure;
- the ability to critically analyze methodological choices;
- the ability to propose appropriate research strategies to a concrete case.
Part Two: a small research project (web survey) and data analysis. For this second part, students will be invited to work in groups. During the lessons, students will have all the information to build the project.
Intermediate / intermediate tests (partial or total) of the first test may be agreed upon.
The final vote will be given by the average of the votes obtained in the two trials.

STUDENT MODULE EVALUATION - 2017/2018