Applied Social Research
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course follows the course of Methodology of Social Research. The objectives lead to the learning of competences related to the practical application of the basic knowledge acquired on the theoretical level: construction of a research design, epistemological reflection, correct use of quantitative and qualitative techniques and methods for social research.
Expected learning outcomes
In this course students are introduced to the construction of an empirical research starting from a theoretical question: definition of hypothesis and indicators, construction of a questionnaire, data analysis and interpretation of results. By the end of the course students should have practice tools to: a) understand the main problems of the qualitative and quantitative research process, b) critically evaluate the aspects of the empirical research methods.
The students will be introduced to the use of a statistical software for data analysis and hypothesis testing (Modules I-II) and to the application of qualitative technique of research (Module III).
The students will be introduced to the use of a statistical software for data analysis and hypothesis testing (Modules I-II) and to the application of qualitative technique of research (Module III).
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
ATTENDING STUDENTS
The course provides practical applications of the knowledge acquired in the course of "Methodology of the social research".
In particular, the course mainly concerns the construction of a quantitative research design:
1. Definition of a research design
2. Definition of hypotheses and indicators
3. Construction of a questionnaire, or review of data for secondary analysis
4. Data analysis with SPSS
5. Interpretation of results
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
The course is thought in practical terms, and attendance is highly recommended.
However, the program for non-attending students is based on a deepening of the basic themes of the course "Methodology in Social Research".
In particular, the themes are ...
For the quantitative part: questionnaire and measurement scales, variables and indexes, data analysis techniques (monovariate and bivariate) and basic knowledge of multivariate analysis.
For the qualitative part: qualitative research techniques (participant observation, in-depth interview, group techniques, document analysis).
Moreover, it's necessary to study some empirical research articles present on ARIEL: https://ssartirsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
The course provides practical applications of the knowledge acquired in the course of "Methodology of the social research".
In particular, the course mainly concerns the construction of a quantitative research design:
1. Definition of a research design
2. Definition of hypotheses and indicators
3. Construction of a questionnaire, or review of data for secondary analysis
4. Data analysis with SPSS
5. Interpretation of results
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
The course is thought in practical terms, and attendance is highly recommended.
However, the program for non-attending students is based on a deepening of the basic themes of the course "Methodology in Social Research".
In particular, the themes are ...
For the quantitative part: questionnaire and measurement scales, variables and indexes, data analysis techniques (monovariate and bivariate) and basic knowledge of multivariate analysis.
For the qualitative part: qualitative research techniques (participant observation, in-depth interview, group techniques, document analysis).
Moreover, it's necessary to study some empirical research articles present on ARIEL: https://ssartirsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Prerequisites for admission
Statistics and Methodology of social research
Teaching methods
The course consists of two 20-hour modules. The course is held in a computer lab (Room 2) and requires compulsory attendance for at least 80% of lessons (maximum 4 absences).
Teaching Resources
ATTENDING STUDENTS
Lectures notes - ARIEL - RICERCA SOCIALE APPLICATA (https://ssartirsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx)
A.de Lillo, L.Arosio, S.Sarti, M.Terraneo, S.Zoboli, Metodi e Tecniche della Ricerca Sociale, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011
F.Biolcati Rinaldi,C.Vezzoni, L'analisi secondaria nella ricerca sociale, IlMulino, 2013
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTSFREQUENTANTI
A.de Lillo, L.Arosio, S.Sarti, M.Terraneo, S.Zoboli, Metodi e Tecniche della Ricerca Sociale, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011
A.de Lillo, "Il Mondo della Ricerca Qualitativa", UTET, Torino, 2010
F.Biolcati Rinaldi,C.Vezzoni, L'analisi secondaria nella ricerca sociale, IlMulino, 2013
ARIEL, section ARTICOLIdiRICERCA_6cfu: https://ssartirsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Lectures notes - ARIEL - RICERCA SOCIALE APPLICATA (https://ssartirsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx)
A.de Lillo, L.Arosio, S.Sarti, M.Terraneo, S.Zoboli, Metodi e Tecniche della Ricerca Sociale, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011
F.Biolcati Rinaldi,C.Vezzoni, L'analisi secondaria nella ricerca sociale, IlMulino, 2013
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTSFREQUENTANTI
A.de Lillo, L.Arosio, S.Sarti, M.Terraneo, S.Zoboli, Metodi e Tecniche della Ricerca Sociale, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011
A.de Lillo, "Il Mondo della Ricerca Qualitativa", UTET, Torino, 2010
F.Biolcati Rinaldi,C.Vezzoni, L'analisi secondaria nella ricerca sociale, IlMulino, 2013
ARIEL, section ARTICOLIdiRICERCA_6cfu: https://ssartirsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and in Italian.
Professor(s)