Research Methods
Presentation
Given the scientific regulation of Psychology, this curricular unit intends that students develop and master a set of competences for the practice of scientific research in Psychology, as well as for the critical analysis of empirical studies in the area, with a special focus on qualitative methodologies and mixed studies (as a way of combining qualitative and quantitative methods).
Part of this Programme
Psychology
Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS
| Semestral | 5
Year | Type of course unit | Language
3 |Mandatory |Português
Code
ULHT35-7093
Recommended complementary curricular units
General Psychology
Prerequisites and co-requisites
n/a
Professional Internship
Não
Syllabus
1. Research Methodology: 1.1. Introduction to research methodologies. 1.2. Quantitative and qualitative methods: Differences. 1.3. Quantitative and qualitative methods: Mixed designs. 1.4. Epistemological and methodological paradigms in research in the social and human sciences. 2. Qualitative Research: 2.1. Definition and Characteristics. 2.2. Types of qualitative research: Narratives, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Phenomenology and Case Study. 2.3. Qualitative research structure: Theme, Literature review, Research questions, Aims, Conceptual map, Methodological guidance. 2.4. Techniques for collecting qualitative data: Interview, Focus group, Observation, Document analysis. 2.5. Qualitative approaches to data analysis: Transcription, Content and thematic analysis, grounded analysis, discourse analysis. 2.6. Qualitative data analysis software: Features and potential. 2.7. Validation strategies. 2.8. Presentating and writing of results. 2.9. Ethical issues.
Objectives
At the end of the semester, it is intended that students are able to: (1) identify different research methods (quantitative and qualitative), including their epistemological assumptions and methodological specificities; (2) identify different mixed designs (sequential and concomitant), as a way of combining qualitative and quantitative research; (3) plan the implementation of a qualitative research project; (4) know the multiple methodologies, methods and techniques for qualitative data collection and analysis, and to be able to adapt them to the research questions; (5) identify the quality criteria for assessing of qualitative studies; (6) know the characteristics of scientific writing in the scope of qualitative research, and critically evaluate scientific articles; (7) adopt procedures consistent with ethical principles.
Teaching methodologies and assessment
In theoretical-practical classes, exposure of the theoretical contents and practical exercises are used as methodologies for the application of knowledge and consolidation of the taught contents, using computers and the Internet (e.g., through research work; reading and analysis of papers, and training practical skills). Class attendance is mandatory. Continuous assessment includes: (1) an individual written test (weight: 50%); (2) a group assignment with an oral presentation (weighting: 20%; the evaluation will distinguish individual contributions); (3) and a written assignment (weight: 30%). As a final average, the student must obtain a minimum grade of 10 points. The appeal period consists of a written exam with a weighting of 100% in the final grade, which will focus on the entire syllabus. As a final grade, the student must obtain a minimum grade of 10 values.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. SAGE. Daly, K. J. (2007). Qualitative methods for family studies & human development. SAGE. Flick, U., von Kardoff, E., & Steinke, I. (2004). A companion to qualitative research. SAGE.
Office Hours
Nome do docente Horário de atendimento Sala