Computing for the Social Sciences
Code
711081077
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Sociologia
Credits
6
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding of the operating logic of computer applications of research support in Sociology, particularly in data gathering, mathematical and statistical calculations, and graphical data processing.
2. Ability to select and to use the appropriate applications to the different research and professional tasks.
3. Understanding of their relations with the theoretical measurement and statistical techniques of data analysis.
4. Acquest of specific skills in operationalizing the computional techniques.
5. Skills of development processes for self-training and lifelong learning regarding advanced computer processing of statistical operations.
Prerequisites
Students must have accomplished a minimum of 48 ECTS credits and have basic computer knowledge. We recommend that students previous attend to Métodos e Técnicas de Investigação Sociológica: Amostragem e Inquérito e Análise de Dados Univariada e Bivariada, or similar.
Subject matter
The CU of Computer Assisted Tools for the Social Sciences is based on an approach of applying knowledge to practical and real cases, providing students with skills that can be mobilized in future research. In this regard, particular attention is given to correct preparation of the data on different platforms (Excel and SPSS), always using real data sets. Secondly, it is therefore important that students acquire the ability to conveniently select the appropriate analytical tools, suited not only to the objectives of the study but also to the type of data at hand. Finally, and in order to be possible an adequate and competent analysis of the data, different techniques are presented, ranging from the simpler ones (univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics) to more complex ones (inferential statistics and multivariate analysis). The way the contents are lectured enables the students with a foundation on which to grasp further techniques.
Bibliography
Botelho, M.C. & Laureano, R. (2010). SPSS: O meu manual de consulta rápida. Lisboa: Sílabo.
Bryman, A. & Cramer, D. (1992). Análise de dados em ciências sociais. Oeiras: Celta.
Foddy, W. (1996). Como perguntar: Teoria e prática da construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários. Oeiras: Celta.
Ghiglione, R. & Matalon, B. (2001). O inquérito: Teoria e prática. Oeiras: Celta.
Laureano, R. (2011). Testes de hipóteses com o SPSS: O meu manual de consulta rápida. Lisboa: Sílabo.
Marôco, J. (2010). Análise estatística com o PASW Statistics. Pêro Pinheiro: Report Number.
Pestana, M.; Gageiro, J. (2003). Análise de dados para as ciências sociais: A complementaridade do SPSS. Lisboa: Sílabo.
Reis, E. (2000). Estatística descritiva. Lisboa: Sílabo.
Manuais das aplicações Excel e SPSS.
Teaching method
ITEACHING METHODOLOGY:
- Lectures with theoretical content along with practical examples using real datasets;
- At the end of each session, a practical exercise is carried by the students, on the subjects discussed in the current and prior sessions. The exercises are revised in class, always allowing time to clarify questions the students may have.
In class teaching.
Evaluation method
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
a) Continuous evaluation / attendance (10%);
b) Two examination tests (45% each), one taking place in the middle of the semester and one at the end.