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Course organization
The course provides the basic knowledge related to the methods and techniques of social research with attention to the applicative aspects in the context of social service work. The aim is to provide future social workers with the tools to critically read and set up social research in their areas of expertise and to formulate interpretations / explanations
empirically founded.
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.
During the lessons practical / application activities will be proposed on the use of the main survey techniques (web surveys, qualitative interviews, narrations).
Compared to some specific topics, the teacher will provide ad hoc study materials and / or in-depth studies.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN | Note |
| Lombi L. | "Come costruire e somministrare una web survey" in LE WEB SURVEY | Franco Angeli | 2015 | 9788891725813 | Capitolo di libro del testo "Le Web Survey" |
| Niero M. | Introduzione alla progettazione e alla pratica della ricerca sociale | Guerini Scientifica | 2005 | 8881071908 | Capitoli: 2, 3, 4, 7 |
| Lonardi C. | Raccontare e raccontarsi. L’approccio biografico nelle scienze sociali | QuiEdit - Verona | 2006 | Da pag. 21 a pag. 34 e da pag. 41 a pag. 128 |
Exam consists of two distinct parts.
First part. Written exam: open and/or closed 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.
Second part: production of a research protocol according to a pre-established format (delivered by the teacher and illustrated during the lessons) or construction (and relative administration) of a research tool on themes consistent with the profession of the Social Assistant.
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.
