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Regular version of the site

Methodology and Methods for Sociological Research

2020/2021
Academic Year
ENG
Instruction in English
5
ECTS credits
Course type:
Compulsory course
When:
2 year, 1, 2 module

Instructors


Мацкевич Мария Георгиевна

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course covers the following general topics: - Planning and Designing Social research - Ethical issues in social Research - Interviewing and Questionnaire design - Content Analysis. Reading and discussion of some widely known studies is combined with practical exercises on development of research design and specific tools.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • introduce students to the basics of research methodology in social sciences, and give a brief overview of the most relevant research methods.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Be able to formulate research question and choose appropriate methodology
  • Understand the basic idea and the differences between main research methods: survey, anthropological/ biographical study, online research etc.
  • Know the main stages of a research
  • Know the ethical requirements and limitations for different research methods
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Planning and designing case studies
    The topic highlights the main stages of sociological research, the preparation of a sociological research, estimates, schedule of work.
  • Ethical Issues in a Case Study
    The general idea of ethics of scientific research, ethical problems in sociological research.
  • Interview and Questionnaire Design
    The topic discusses the objectives and features of the method, the general implementation procedure, advantages and disadvantages.
  • Content Analysis
    The topic discusses the objectives and features of the method, the general implementation procedure, advantages and disadvantages.
  • Observation
    The topic discusses the objectives and features of the method, the general implementation procedure, advantages and disadvantages. Typology of observations. Included and not included observation.
  • Survey in a qualitative study
    The topic discusses the objectives and features of the method, the general implementation procedure, advantages and disadvantages.
  • Focus Group Method
    The topic discusses the objectives and features of the method, the general implementation procedure, advantages and disadvantages.
  • Secondary Data Analysis
    The topic considers data sources for secondary analysis, advantages and disadvantages of secondary data analysis.
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Activities in class
  • non-blocking Home assignments
  • non-blocking Exam
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (2 module)
    0.2 * Activities in class + 0.4 * Exam + 0.4 * Home assignments
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Hegde, D. S. (2015). Essays on Research Methodology. New Delhi: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=nlebk&AN=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