Class Quantitative Methods for Social Work

The UC of Quantitative Methods for Social Work is a unit integrated in the 2nd year of the degree in Social Work and aims to provide students with skills to build information collection tools, as well as to analyze and interpret their results.

I - Introduction

1. The importance of data analysis in Social Work
2. The different data analysis techniques and supporting software
3. Quantitative methods in scientific research
4. Universe and sample: sampling techniques

II - The inquiry by questionnaire

1. Advantages and disadvantages, modalities and phases
2. The construction of a questionnaire (Question Types, Formulation and Sequence; Pre-Test and preparation of field work)

III - The analysis of quantitative data (SPSS)

1. Building databases and preparing for data analysis
2. The different statistical techniques
3. Univariate and bivariate analysis (measurements and graphic illustration, data reading and interpretation)

IV - Complementarity between quantitative and qualitative data (Use of Lvivo)

1. The use of computer programs in content analysis
2. Basic conceptual instruments
3. The stages of analysis organization (coding, categorization, revision of the categories, creation of a final analysis grid; output and analysis of results).

The pedagogical methodology to be privileged is of an interactive nature, with the predominant concern of the students to participate in the search and elaboration of KNOWLEDGE, in order to lead them to reach the KNOW-DO dimension. The classes are of expository nature interspersed with the practical application of the taught subject, allowing to stimulate the internalization of concepts and their application to analogous situations of social reality.
The evaluation is continuous, being that: 50% of the final grade is awarded to the individual written test; 40% to written work (group) and 10% to class participation / attendance.

• Bardin, L. (2014). Ana¿lise de conteu¿do. Lisboa: Edic¿o¿es 70.
• Fortin, M. (2009). O processo de investigação ¿ da conceção à realização. Loures: Lusociência.
• Hill, M., & Hill, A. (2016). Investigação por questionário. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
• Laureano, R, & Botelho, M. (2017). SPSS ¿ Statistics O meu manual de consulta rápida. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
• Pestana, M. & Gageiro, J. (2014). Análise de dados para Ciências Sociais: a complementaridade do SPSS. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.