Bachelor
2023/2024
Methodology and Methods for Sociological Research
Type:
Compulsory course (Sociology and Social Informatics)
Area of studies:
Sociology
Delivered by:
Department of Sociology
When:
2 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
42
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course introduces students to the basics of research methodology in social sciences, and gives a brief overview of the most relevant research methods. Reading and discussion of some widely known studies is combined with practical exercises on development of research design and specific tools.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Be able to formulate research question and choose appropriate methodology
- Know the ethical requirements and limitations for different research methods
- Know the main stages of a research
- Understand the basic idea and the differences between main research methods: survey, anthropological/ biographical study, online research etc.
- Understand the basic idea and the differences between main research methods: survey, anthropological/ biographical study, online research etc
Course Contents
- Theory and Research
- The nature and process of social research
- Research question
- Research Problem
- Research hypothesis
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative methods
- Methods of data collection
- Three Purposes of Research, Units of Analysis
- Measurement
- Reliability
- Validity
- Research designs
- Experiments
- Quantitative samples
- Qualitative samples
- Research Ethics
- Mixed methods
- E-Research
Assessment Elements
- Activities in class
- Tests
- Midterm exam
- Written summaries of the assigned readingsYou need to submit a written summary of each reading assignment. The summary should include all the definitions and classifications presented in the reading. The summary must not contain plagiarism
- Home tasksIn case of the lack of class participation during the class, additional essays may be assigned in order to test the understanding of the topic. The grade for the essay will be included into home tasks grade.
- Exam 1 yearAs your exam, you'll receive a set of 3-5 questions. You need to answer two of them in a written form. Each question will raise a methodological problem. We expect you to express your own ideas and attitudes, that should be supported by examples and concepts from the course. Each submission will be checked for plagiarism. If any traces of plagiarism will be found, the submission will be graded with 0. If you are using ideas from other sources, you need to put a proper reference. Since there are two questions, you can get 5 points for each.
- In-class activities (during seminars and practical classes)
- Group projects
- Exam test
Interim Assessment
- 2022/2023 3rd module0.3 * Activities in class + 0.2 * Exam 1 year + 0.1 * Home tasks + 0.1 * Midterm exam + 0.2 * Tests + 0.1 * Written summaries of the assigned readings
- 2023/2024 2nd module0.400 Exam 0.400 Home assignments 0.200 Activities in class
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- 9788132222149 - Hegde, Dinesh S. - Essays on Research Methodology - 2015 - Springer - https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1001250 - nlebk - 1001250
- Maruyama, G., & Ryan, C. S. (2014). Research Methods in Social Relations (Vol. 8th ed). Malden, Mass: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=798826
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research Methodology : Methods & Techniques (Vol. 2nd rev. ed). New Delhi: New Age International. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=277465
- Rugg, G., & Petre, M. (2007). A Gentle Guide to Research Methods. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=234246