SOC756 Research Methodology

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2014
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 10 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Beatrice Elena Chromková Manea, M.A., Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. Bernadette Nadya Jaworsky, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Ladislav Rabušic, CSc. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Ladislav Rabušic, CSc.
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Soňa Enenkelová
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 13:30–15:00 AVC
Prerequisites (in Czech)
NOW( SOC756a Seminar to Research Methodolog )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse research methodologies in the social sciences. Students will also learn the basic methods of both qualitative and quantitative research and gain an overview of the necessary practical skills required for their application. Individual topics include the choosing a methodology, formulating research problems/questions, techniques for gathering data, presenting and interpreting results and research ethics. At the end of the semester, students will be able to create a research proposal and carry out a project that allows them to find answers to relevant social science questions.

By the end of the semester, students should be able to:

• Recognize, define and discuss various methods for research in the social sciences
• Review and assess existing research according to its methodology and use of data and methods
• Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Formulate research problems and apply techniques for collecting data and presenting and interpreting findings that address the relevant research questions
• Cultivate research proficiency and expertise by undertaking a semester-long assignment that involves designing a research project and writing up a proposal elaborating it
Syllabus
  • • 1st Seminar: Introduction, course organization
  • • 2nd Seminar: Human inquiry and science. Paradigms and theory in social research
  • • 3rd Seminar: Context of design. What is research design?
  • • 4th Seminar: Research design – Aims, units of analysis, research strategies and time dimension
  • • 5th Seminar: Qualitative methods part I (Focus: interviewing, focus group)
  • • 6th Seminar: Qualitative methods part II (Focus: case study, Delphi method)
  • • 7th Seminar: No class – Reading week
  • • 8th Seminar: Quantitative methods part I (focus on: surveys)
  • • 9th Seminar: Quantitative methods part II (focus: longitudinal and panel survey)
  • • 10th Seminar: Quantitative methods part III (focus: online research)
  • • 10th Seminar: Quantitative methods part IV (focus: cohort analysis, life course theory)
  • • 11th Seminar: Mixed methods
  • • 13th Seminar: In-class presentations of preliminary research proposals
Literature
    required literature
  • CRESWELL, John W. and Vicki L. PLANO CLARK. Designing and conducting mixed methods research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2011, xxvi, 457. ISBN 9781412975179. info
  • BABBIE, Earl R. The practice of social research. 12th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2010, xxiv, 530. ISBN 9780495598428. info
  • BRYMAN, Alan. Social research methods. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, xiii, 748. ISBN 9780199202959. info
    recommended literature
  • Bergman, M.M. 2008. (ed.) Advances in Mixed Method Research. SAGE:London
  • YIN, Robert K. Case study research : design and methods. 4th ed. Los Angeles, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2009, xiv, 219. ISBN 9781412960991. info
  • The SAGE handbook of online research methods. Edited by Nigel Fielding - Raymond M. Lee - Grant Blank. Los Angeles: Sage, 2008, xvi, 370. ISBN 9781412922937. info
  • DAVIES, Martin. Doing a successful research project : using qualitative or quantitative methods. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, xiv, 274. ISBN 9781403993793. info
  • The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Edited by Norman K. Denzin - Yvonna S. Lincoln. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2005, xix, 1210. ISBN 0761927573. info
Teaching methods
The course consists of weekly workshops, where both the teacher and the students actively participate. Students are expected to complete the weekly readings prior to class and be prepared to discuss them in detail. Questioning, explaining, collaborating, and demonstrating will be used as teaching methods and strategies.
Assessment methods
Conditions for passing the course:

1. Systematic work on and (short, 1-page) written responses to weekly readings
2. Oral presentation in class (10-12 minutes)
3. Written Assignment - Methods and Data Analysis (3-5 pages)
4. Written Assignment – Research Proposal (8-10 pages)
5. Two tests

Particular activities of students will be evaluated as follows:

10% - attendance and class participation
15% - oral presentation
20% - written assignment - Methods and Data Analysis
35% - written assignment – Research Proposal
20% - test results
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Výhradně pro zahraniční studenty programů "Sociology" a "Erasmus". Just for Sociology and Erasmus students.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2006, Spring 2007, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2015, Autumn 2016, Autumn 2017, Autumn 2018, Autumn 2019.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2014, recent)
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