Research Methods and Techniques: Sampling and Inquiry

General characterization

Prerequisites

It is suggested that students previously take the course of Theory and Methodology of Social Sciences.

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. London: 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

Method of evaluation:

Two individual written tests in class, concerning all subjects discussed in classes (with each test corresponding to 50%).

Note:
In order to ensure effective control of possible academic fraud, the teaching team reserves the right, after producing all the elements provided for in the previous points relating to the assessment, to convene students for individual or group meetings in order to verify that the evidence provided has scrupulously complied with the NOVA FCSH assessment regulations. This confrontation may have an impact on the grade awarded.

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
3. Non random sampling
3.1. Quota sampling
3.2. Purposive sampling and snowball
4. General logic design of sampling plans

III - INVESTIGATION BY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Observation and measurement in the Social Sciences, types of questionnaires, collection methods and situations
2. The questionnaire: between the theoretical and empirical conceptualization
3. Principles for organizing and administering a questionnaire
4. Questions, groups of questions and scales
5. Methods of response, record types, pre-coding and filters

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: