Class Research Methodologies

This curricular unit consists in an initiation to the fundaments of academic investigation, focusing on the most used methods in social and business sciences, and particularly in tourism research. More specifically, the curricular unit addresses: general concepts of academic research, an introduction to the scientific method, different research approaches in social sciences, research ethics, and a detailed approach of the social sciences research process, with emphasis on the research problems typically addressed in tourism research.

1. Introduction to methodology
   1. The scientific method
   2. Styles of reasoning
   3. Fallacies
2. Approaches to research
   1. Quantitative and qualitative
   2. Pure/theoretical and applied
   3. Cross-sectional and longitudinal
3. Validity and ethics in research
   1. Validity x Truth
   2. Epistemic responsibility
   3. Fraud in research
4. The research process
   1. Rupture
   2. Construction
   3. Verification
5. The starting question
   1. Clarity
   2. Feasibility
   3. Relevance
6. Exploration
   1. Reading
   2. Exploratory Interviews
   3. Citations
7. The problematic
   1. The analysis model
   2. Hypotheses
   3. Operative and systemic concepts
8. Data collection and analysis
   1. Definition of relevant data
   2. The field of analysis and the observation units
   3. Collection and analysis instruments

N/A

• Adams, J. Hafiz , T.A., Raeside, R. & White , D. (2007). Research methods for graduate business and social science students , New Dehli , Sage Publications
• Quivy, R. & Campenhoudt , L.V. (2005). Manual de investigação em ciências sociais. Lisboa: Gradiva
• Barañano, A.M. (2004). Métodos e técnicas de investigação em Gestão. Manual de apoio à realização de trabalhos de investigação. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
• Silva, A. S., & Pinto, J. M. (Eds.). (1999). Metodologia das Ciências Sociais. Porto: Edições Afrontamento