Research Methods and Techniques: Sampling and Inquiry
Code
711081057
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Sociologia
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
José Alberto Simões, Tiago Santos
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
1. Understanding the problematics of quantitative research in social sciences;
2. Knowledge and understanding of basic notionsin probability and statistics associated with sampling techniques;
3. Understanding sampling in the context of research methodology in sociology;
4. Knowledge and understanding of the principales and techniques of sampling procedures;
5. Ability to recognize sampling procedures used in real instances;
6. Ability to critically assess the theoretical relevance and correct application of the techniques of sampling procedures used in elementary real instances;
7. Ability to create elementary sampling designs;
8. Knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and methodological principles associated with questionnaires;
9. Ability to assess the theoretical relevance and correct application of survey tools used in real instances;
10. Ability to design survey instruments.
Prerequisites
It is suggested that students previously take the course of Theory and Methodology of Social Sciences.
Subject matter
I - QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY
1. Theory, empirical research and measurement in sociology
2. Levels of measurement and construction of variables
II SAMPLING
1. Introduction to sampling procedures
2. Random sampling
2.1. Random sampling, statistical inference and probabilities
2.2. General principales of random sampling
2.3. Biases in random sampling
2.4. Population, sample and margin of error: sample size and confidence intervals
3. Non random sampling
3.1. Quota sampling
3.2. Purposive sampling and snowball
4. General logic design of sampling plans
III - QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Observation and measurement in the Social Sciences
2. The questionnaire: between theoretical and empirical conceptualization
3. Principles for designing and administering a questionnaire
4. Questions, groups of questions and scales
5. Methods of response, record types, pre-coding and filters
Bibliography
Arber, S. (2001). Designing samples, in Gilbert, N. (org.), Researching social life. Londres: Sage, pp. 58-82.
Bryman, A. (2004). Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Levin, J. & Fox, J.A. (2004). Estatística para ciências humanas- São Paulo: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Ghiglione, R. e Matalon, B. (1992). O inquérito: Teoria e prática. Oeiras: Celta.
Simmons, R. (2001). \"Questionnaires\", in Gilbert, N. (org.), Researching social life. Londres: Sage, pp. 85-104.
Teaching method
Theoretical lectures (40%);
Practical classwork (60%): exemplification and exercise solving; discussion and exercise solving by students; oral presentation and discussion of ongoing work by students.
Evaluation method
Evaluation method:
Two individual written tests in class, concerning all subjects discussed in classes (90%);
Pratcical classroom exercises. (10%).