Applied Social Research

A.Y. 2025/2026
6
Max ECTS
40
Overall hours
SSD
SPS/07
Language
Italian
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).
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 is in Italian. The course aims to put into practice the knowledge acquired in the Social Research Methodology course, introducing students to the process of quantitative analysis of social phenomena.
Specifically, the topics covered include: research design; formulation of hypotheses; data and variable transformation; univariate analysis; bivariate analysis; simple and multiple linear regression; and statistical inference.

The course, which lasts 40 hours, is held in the computer lab (Room 2) and, due to its applied nature, attendance is required.
Students who are unable to attend are kindly asked to contact the instructor for guidance on recommended preparation methods and assessment procedures
Prerequisites for admission
The course is in Italian.To attend the course, a knowledge of basic statistical analysis and fundamental theoretical and practical elements of Social Research Methodology is required.
In accordance with the Study Manifesto, it is therefore reminded that Statistics and Social Research Methodology are prerequisites for Applied Social Research.
Teaching methods
The course is designed with a strong applied focus and is therefore inherently tailored for attending students.
It consists of lectures introducing the main quantitative techniques, complemented by practical applications and exercises (both individual and group-based) using the statistical software SPSS and/or Stata
Teaching Resources
The course is in Italian.
Assessment methods and Criteria
FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Assessment for attending students will be based on:

- a midterm written test consisting of 7 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-ended questions;

- submission and oral discussion of a short paper (max 2 pages) based on secondary analysis of quantitative data, developed from a group research project (conducted in class using SPSS or Stata software).

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
The exam consists of a written test with 2 open-ended questions and 20 multiple-choice questions (duration: 60 minutes).
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor: Guglielmi Simona
Professor(s)