OVERVIEW

The course starts with an overview of scientific inquiry logic, then highlights the key aspects of social research by comparing various methodological approaches. It further explores essential research methods such as questionnaires, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups, along with critical elements of digital research. Specific methodological concepts for each research type are introduced through discussions of selected examples from the required readings.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to introduce core quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, focusing on designing and administering questionnaires, conducting individual and group interviews, applying ethnographic observation principles, and performing content analysis.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is designed to introduce students to social research methodology, equipping them with foundational concepts, tools, and skills for designing research projects, data collection, and analysis. Consistent with the degree program's overall learning goals, it emphasizes an applied approach to demonstrate how theoretical and methodological knowledge can be employed to analyze social phenomena. Throughout the lectures, various examples from real research cases will be used to illustrate the practical application of theoretical ideas and to showcase their relevance in designing and assessing empirical studies.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Grasp the fundamental concepts and tools involved in social research methodology;
• Select the most suitable methodological approach based on the study's research objectives;
• Utilize theoretical and methodological knowledge to design straightforward empirical research projects;
• Critically analyze the methodological framework of a social research study;
• Evaluate how well the research questions, data collection methods, analytical techniques, and interpretation of results align and support each other;
• Read and interpret data from various sources like newspaper articles, research reports, scientific papers, and websites, while recognizing their potential and limitations.

PREREQUISITES

Some basic knowledge of sociology and statistics is recommended.

TEACHING METHODS

The classes will be lecture-based but structured to promote active student participation through examples, discussions, and brief tests for demonstration.

I do not offer a separate program for students who do not attend, but attendance is highly encouraged, especially in person.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided into three teaching modules:

1. The meaning of "doing" scientific research;
2. Planning research: methods of social-scientific inquiry, research design types, and unique features of various approaches;
3. Designing the empirical basis for social research: ethnography, hermeneutics and discourse analysis, biographical methods, survey data construction, questionnaire development, attitude measurement scales, and basic sampling and data analysis techniques.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The exam syllabus will be released on Aulaweb one week prior to the start of the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LORENZO BARBANERA (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The information will be shared as soon as possible.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and will be conducted in Italian, even for foreign students.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will evaluate students’ understanding of core concepts, their capacity to link theory and practice, and their ability to present and defend personal insights and reflections on the topics. It will also measure the clarity and accuracy of their communication, and the proper use of technical terminology relevant to the discipline.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with a certified Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), a disability, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact both the departmental contact person, Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it), and the course instructor at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on teaching and assessment arrangements that - while respecting the course learning objectives - take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

For further information, please refer to the University of Genoa page: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disabilità-informazioni-utili