Class Introduction to Research Methodologies

This course aims to provide students with a first contact with the scientific method, scientific research in social sciences and presenting them the tools available to conduct a research work.empirically grounded.

Module 1- Scientific research

1.1 Fundamentals of scientific research

1.2 The relevance of research in Political Science and International Relations

1.3 Research in Political Science and International Relations in Portugal

1.4 Epistemological positions: positivism and interpretivism

Module 2- The Investigation Process

2.1 The types and dynamics of the investigation process

2.2 The choice of topic, the research question and exploration

2.3 Literature Review

2.4 Problematization and model of analysis

2.5 Data collection and data analysis

2.6 The conclusions

Module 3- Scientific research: practices

3.1 Research and sources

3.2 Selection and organization of sources

3.3 Structure and organization of scientific text

3.4 Academic writing, bibliographic referencing and plagiarism

Debate on current issues articulated with the syllabus contents

Baglione, L. A. (2018). Writing a research paper in Political Science: A practical guide to inquiry, structure, and methods. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks: CQ Press.
- Bell, J. (2010). Como realizar um projecto de investigação. 5ª ed. Lisboa: Gradiva.
- Campenhoudt, L. V.; Marquet, J.; Quivy, R. (2019). Manual de investigação em ciências sociais. Lisboa: Gradiva.
- Coutinho, C. P. (2018). Metodologia de investigação em ciências sociais e humanas. 2ª ed. Coimbra: Almedina.
- Powner, L. C. (2015). Empirical research and writing: A Political Science student’s practical guide. Thousand Oaks: CQ Press.
- Roselle, L.; Spray, S.; Shelton, J. T. (2020). Research and writing in International Relations. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge.