Dissertation Lab
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Il Dissertation Lab guida gli studenti nella preparazione e strutturazione della tesi del master "Global Politics and Society", ed è specificamente indicato per coloro i quali desiderano condurre ricerca empirica per la propria tesi. Nella prima parte, il Laboratorio spiegherà come identificare un argomento di ricerca, come sviluppare domande di ricerca pertinenti e come sviluppare il disegno della ricerca. Il Laboratorio introdurrà poi i principali metodi di ricerca e si concentrerà sulla conduzione della revisione della letteratura. Da ultimo, si illustrerà come strutturare la tesi, come gestire la bibliografia e citare correttamente, e, infine, come presentare i risultati della ricerca, in forma scritta e orale. Il Laboratorio contemplerà lezioni frontali, ma porrà particolare enfasi a esercitazioni, attività di gruppo e presentazioni, per dare agli studenti l'opportunità di applicare immediatamente quanto apprendono ai loro interessi di ricerca e ai loro piani per la tesi. Le competenze acquisite tramite il Laboratorio possono rivelarsi molto utili per il futuro professionale degli studenti, soprattutto per quanto concerne la redazione di report e la preparazione di presentazioni orali.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the Dissertation lab, students will be able to:
- Identify a research topic and formulate appropriate research questions (with related hypotheses, when relevant);
- Collect, organize and present the relevant literature;
- Develop the empirical research design;
- Build their argument;
- Present research findings in written and oral form, including the presentation of slideshows.
- Identify a research topic and formulate appropriate research questions (with related hypotheses, when relevant);
- Collect, organize and present the relevant literature;
- Develop the empirical research design;
- Build their argument;
- Present research findings in written and oral form, including the presentation of slideshows.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
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
Second trimester
Course syllabus
Choosing the Topic
· Identifying the Research Question
· Types of Research Questions (descriptive, explanatory, exploratory)
· Structure of the Empirical Thesis
Literature Review
· Using Academic Databases (e.g., Scopus, Google Scholar, university catalog)
· Selecting and Evaluating Relevant Sources for your research topic
· Using Software for Reference Management (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley, Citavi) and citation systems
Relationship Between Research Question and Methodological Choice
· How the Research Question Guides the Choice of Method
· Criteria for Choosing the Most Appropriate Research Design
· Primary and Secondary Analysis
· Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
· Choosing and Justifying the Research Design
Presenting Results
· Ways to Present Results (qualitative and quantitative data)
· Implications (theoretical, practical, etc.)
· Academic "Storytelling"
Ethics in Social Research
· Ethical Principles in Data Collection and Management
· Transparency and Accountability of the Researcher
· Using AI to Support Research: literature review, data analysis, writing
· Ethical Issues Related to the Use of AI in Research
· Identifying the Research Question
· Types of Research Questions (descriptive, explanatory, exploratory)
· Structure of the Empirical Thesis
Literature Review
· Using Academic Databases (e.g., Scopus, Google Scholar, university catalog)
· Selecting and Evaluating Relevant Sources for your research topic
· Using Software for Reference Management (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley, Citavi) and citation systems
Relationship Between Research Question and Methodological Choice
· How the Research Question Guides the Choice of Method
· Criteria for Choosing the Most Appropriate Research Design
· Primary and Secondary Analysis
· Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
· Choosing and Justifying the Research Design
Presenting Results
· Ways to Present Results (qualitative and quantitative data)
· Implications (theoretical, practical, etc.)
· Academic "Storytelling"
Ethics in Social Research
· Ethical Principles in Data Collection and Management
· Transparency and Accountability of the Researcher
· Using AI to Support Research: literature review, data analysis, writing
· Ethical Issues Related to the Use of AI in Research
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites are required.
Teaching methods
Every lesson includes lectures and group work, interactive activities, and direct involvement of participants to promote practical and collaborative learning.
Teaching Resources
Nygaard, L. P. (2017). Writing your master's thesis: From A to Zen (1st ed.). Sage.
de Vaus, D. (2001). Research Design in Social Research. SAGE. https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/research-design-in-social-research/book205847#description
Additional materials will be provided by the instructor during the lessons.
de Vaus, D. (2001). Research Design in Social Research. SAGE. https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/research-design-in-social-research/book205847#description
Additional materials will be provided by the instructor during the lessons.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment will be based on active participation, including an in-class oral presentation with slides, as well as the submission of a well-developed written research proposal or thesis draft (4-5 pages).
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 20 hours
Professor:
Guglielmi Simona
Professor(s)