Research Methodologies
Code
10067
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente
Credits
6.0
Teacher in charge
João José de Carvalho Correia de Freitas, João Miguel Dias Joanaz de Melo
Weekly hours
4
Total hours
56
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
- To understand the theoretical and methodological options of scientific research;
- To develop analytical and argumentative skills as well as the ability to formulate hypothesis and research designs;
- To know and operationalize the conceptual, theoretical and methodological tools inherent in empirical research in the fields to be selected by each student.
Prerequisites
Research experience at MSc level.
Subject matter
1. The assumptions of scientific research;
2. The methodology and research techniques;
3. Qualitative research methods
4. Qualitative techniques: a brief introduction to case studies and content analysis;
5. Quantitative research methods;
6. Quantitative techniques: SPSS and other quantitative techniques;
7. Programming and prototype techniques;
8. Guidelines for the preparation of a thesis proposal.
Bibliography
Neves, B.B (2013) “Latent Class Models in Action: bridging social capital and Internet usage”, Social Sciences Research, Elsevier
BERG, Bruce L. (2001), Qualitative Reseaech Methods for the Social Sciences, 4th ed, London: Allyn and Bacon
CARMO, Hermano; FERREIRA, Manuela Malheiro (1998), Metodologia da Investigação: Guia para a Auto-Aprendizagem, Lisboa: Universidade Aberta.
FEYERABEND, Paul (1996), Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge, 3rd ed., Brooklyn: Verso
QUIVY, Raymond; CAMPENHOUD, Luc Van (2008), Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais, 5a ed., Lisboa: Gradiva
KUHN, Thomas (1996), The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 3rd ed., Chicago: University of Chicago Press (capítulo 9)
PIAGET, Jean (1981, 1a edição 1972), Lógica e Conhecimento Científico, Porto: Livraria Civilização
RUSSEL, Bertrand (1926), Theory of Knowledge for the Encyclopaedia Britannica
Teaching method
A combination of different teaching methods is employed: lectures, debates, practical work in class, development and discussion of assignments that integrate the course materials.
The teaching language may be Portuguese or English according to the composition of the class.
Evaluation method
Evaluation: classwork (25%) and final assignment (75%).