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Presentation
Presentation
Research Methodologies for the Social Sciences is a core CU in the Social Work degree, designed to foster the development of essential skills for producing scientific work throughout the programme. It equips students with tools to distinguish between common sense and scientific knowledge, to recognise the role of research in Social Work, and to apply ethical principles. The course introduces students to bibliographic research, academic writing standards, and the construction of conceptual frameworks, thereby preparing them to design and implement research projects in a critical, rigorous, and evidence-based manner.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
1 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULP733-26206
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
I. Knowledge in the Social Sciences and Research in Social Work 1. Scientific knowledge vs. common sense 2. Knowledge in the exact and social sciences 3. Research in Social Work and contributions to social intervention II. Foundations of the Research Process 1. Ethical issues in research 2. Defining the problem and research objectives 3. Literature review, research sources, and selection of articles 4. APA standards (citation, referencing, and academic writing) 5. Construction of a conceptual framework III. Research Design 1. Hypotheses, variables, and indicators 2. Universe and sample 3. Research methods and techniques of data collection IV. Application and Scientific Writing 1. Planning and implementation of research projects 2. Scientific writing (stages and quality criteria) 3. Applied ethical issues 4. Presentation of results according to institutional standards and APA
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Objectives
Objectives
O1. Analyse the complexity of the research process, integrating different epistemological perspectives. O2. Distinguish scientific knowledge from common-sense knowledge and understand the processes of knowledge production. O3. Recognise the relevance of research in Social Work for social intervention and innovation. O4. Relate literature review, research sources, and the construction of conceptual frameworks within epistemological traditions in Social Work. O5. Identify and apply the main stages of the research process, with particular focus on empirical research design. O6. Select and apply appropriate data collection methods and techniques in various research contexts. O7. Produce scientific work in accordance with academic writing standards, particularly APA guidelines. O8. Critically assess ethical issues in research, including plagiarism, scientific integrity, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
The course is based on active and innovative methodologies that combine theoretical-practical sessions with collaborative and experiential learning strategies. In addition to lectures and guided discussions, gamification (interactive quizzes and game-based activities to consolidate concepts), collaborative work (carrying out exercises and parts of a research project in working groups), and Problem-Based Learning (solving concrete problems related to research in Social Work) are used to foster motivation, autonomy, and the practical application of knowledge. Throughout the semester, several group assignments will be carried out, aimed at the progressive development of research methodologies, thereby promoting critical analysis, academic writing, and methodological rigour.
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References
References
Alston, M., & Bowles, W. (2020). Research for social workers: An introduction to methods (4th ed.). Routledge. Branco, F. (2008). A investigação em Serviço Social em Portugal: Trajetórias e perspetivas. Locus Soci@l, 1, 48–63. https://revistas.ucp.pt/index.php/locussocial/article/view/10144 Coutinho, C. (2021). Metodologia de investigação em ciências sociais e humanas: Teoria e prática (3.ª ed.). Almedina. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage. Vilelas, J. (2020). Investigação: O processo de construção do conhecimento. Edições Sílabo.
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Assessment
Assessment
A avaliação desta Unidade Curricular baseia-se em três componentes, assegurando o equilíbrio entre a aferição de competências teóricas e a aplicação prática dos conteúdos:
Descrição
Ponderação
Teste escrito
40%
Teste escrito
40%
Trabalhos em grupo
20%
Os trabalhos em aula consistem em exercícios individuais e colaborativos, orientados para a aplicação prática dos conteúdos programáticos (i.e., elaboração faseada de partes de um projeto de investigação). A entrega destes trabalhos é obrigatória para todos/as os/as estudantes, incluindo aqueles/as com estatuto especial, sendo condição para a validação da avaliação contínua.
Esta UC segue os critérios estabelecidos no Regulamento de Avaliação em vigor. A ausência injustificada a provas ou a não entrega dos trabalhos nos prazos definidos implica a inexistência de avaliação nesse momento, sem possibilidade de repetição, salvo nos casos expressamente previstos no regulamento.
Todos os trabalhos académicos devem respeitar as Normas para a Elaboração e Apresentação de Teses, Dissertações e Outros Trabalhos Académicos da Universidade Lusófona (Despacho Reitoral n.º 67/2023). O plágio e a fraude académica constituem infrações graves, implicando a anulação da avaliação.
O plágio constitui uma infração grave, violando direitos de autor e princípios éticos fundamentais. Qualquer trabalho em que seja detetado plágio será anulado. No caso dos testes de avaliação, não são permitidos auxiliares de memória nem práticas de plágio. Se houver suspeita de fraude académica na correção das provas, os/as estudantes poderão ser convocados/as para um novo momento de avaliação, oral ou escrito.
O não cumprimento destas normas será considerado violação dos regulamentos académicos em vigor.
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Mobility
Mobility
No
