Survey Methods
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The students will be equipped with the conceptual and empirical tools to understand the most salient features and the most relevant consequences of today's processes in a number of significant social domains.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will acquire the ability to critically evaluate and discuss the impact, development and use of the topics covered during the course. The final exam aims to verify the expected learning outcomes in relation to these topics.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
· The course of "Survey Methods" is composed by two parts. In the first (theoretical) part the principal choices which have to be taken in developing a survey in the field of social and political sciences will be presented and discussed. In the second (practical) part the students are requested to conduct a survey by their own, from the drafting of a questionnaire to the interviews, the analysis of the results and, at the end, to the final report.
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· The first part deals with the survey research, which is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research. The broad area of survey research encompasses any measurement procedures that involve asking questions of respondents. A "survey" can be anything form a short paper-and-pencil feedback form to an intensive one-on-one in-depth interview.
·
· The different types of surveys that are possible will be shown, roughly divided into two broad areas: Questionnaires and Interviews. The selection of the best survey method for each situation will be analyzed and discussed. Once that selection have been done, the problem to solve is connected to the construction of the survey itself.
·
· The main issues related to the drafting of a questionnaire will be deeply argued, including: the different types of questions; decisions about question content; decisions about question wording; decisions about response format; question placement and correct sequence of the questions. Finally, some of the advantages and disadvantages of survey methods will be considered.
·
· The first part deals with the survey research, which is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research. The broad area of survey research encompasses any measurement procedures that involve asking questions of respondents. A "survey" can be anything form a short paper-and-pencil feedback form to an intensive one-on-one in-depth interview.
·
· The different types of surveys that are possible will be shown, roughly divided into two broad areas: Questionnaires and Interviews. The selection of the best survey method for each situation will be analyzed and discussed. Once that selection have been done, the problem to solve is connected to the construction of the survey itself.
·
· The main issues related to the drafting of a questionnaire will be deeply argued, including: the different types of questions; decisions about question content; decisions about question wording; decisions about response format; question placement and correct sequence of the questions. Finally, some of the advantages and disadvantages of survey methods will be considered.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic statistical notions
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and direct interviews to a sample of citizens in Milan
Teaching Resources
Survey Research Methods (by Floyd/Fowler, Sage publication) and slides presented within the course
Assessment methods and Criteria
An individual test and a group (or individual) research, with a final presentation of the report.
Professor(s)