Research Methods in Sociology

Presentation

This course aims to convey the knowledge and understanding of the different stages of research in Social Sciences, their assumptions, procedures and fundamental instruments. To this end, the course is structured in such a way as to provide, on the one hand, an in-depth knowledge of the way in which the complexity of the social reality that surrounds them is scientifically observed and, on the other hand, how to build scientific knowledge in Sociology, namely familiarization with the method and the scientific language. The development of scientific and critical thinking, which this discipline enhances and deepens, enables the learning and management of the respective procedures that underpin the development of higher level academic work.

Part of this Programme

Sociology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT45-16967

Recommended complementary curricular units

For this UC is essential to know Portuguese

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

The differentiation between Social Sciences and their objects of study. The specificity of the sociological perspective: relationship, context, process, the importance of the objective and subjective sense of action. The social determination of common sense. Criticism and deconstruction: Epistemological rupture and obstacles to scientific knowledge (naturalistic, ethnocentric, individualistic and ideological constructions).
The stages of sociological research: Rupture, Construction, Verification and Return to theory. The steps of the scientific procedure: The starting question; The exploitation; The problematic; The construction of the analysis model; The observation; Analysis of information; The conclusions.

Objectives

It is intended that students:

• distinguish various types of knowledge;
• Identify the characteristics of scientific knowledge;
• Understand how to build scientific knowledge in social sciences, particularly in sociology;
• Acquire familiarity with the specificities and scientific language of social science and sociology research;
• Know and identify the different phases and methodological strategies of scientific research;
• Develop in-depth observation and analysis skills of the social reality that surrounds them; 
• Acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to develop research projects.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

Using the diversity of pedagogical supports, throughout the semester, it is sought that students get involved in the learning process through reflective debate on reading texts and conducting pre-research projects. The teaching methodology is based on theoretical and practical classes, with the exposition of the theoretical contents and practical cases by the teacher, text analysis and informed and reflective debate on the topics worked and the issues raised by the subject. In conjunction with the theoretical contents taught, students develop a group research project.

Continuous assessment is privileged, based on:

• 1st Assessment Paper- Exploratory Study Report (35%);
• 2nd Assessment Paper - Preliminary Research Project (45%);
• Oral presentation of the project (15%);
• Class participation (5%).
• Students who obtain a grade lower than 9.5% in the continuous assessment

References

Coutinho, P. (2014). Metodologia de investigação em ciências sociais e humanas. Coimbra: Almedina

Laville, C., & Dionne, J. (1999). A construção do saber: manual de metodologia da pesquisa em ciências . Porto Alegre: Artmed humanas

Quivy. R. & L. Champenhoud (2003).  Lisboa: Gradiva Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais. Tuckman, B. (2000).  Lisboa: FC Gulbenkian

Office Hours

Comments

Espera-se que o aluno respeite o docente e os colegas, bem como todas as regras de funcionamento da UC. O aluno deve ser sempre pontual, assíduo e consistente no seu processo de estudo. É desejável que o aluno realize o estudo prévio das matérias recomendadas e efetue atempadamente os contactos necessários com o docente para esclarecer dúvidas antes da submissão dos trabalhos. Não é desejável o abandono do processo de avaliação contínua. Não é aceitável a falta sistemática de pontualidade, o incumprimento de prazos e o plágio ou a cópia de trabalhos/tarefas solicitadas