WORKSHOP: SOCIAL RESEARCH

The main goal of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of the main paradigms, approaches, methods, and techniques of social research needed to read, critically analyse, design, and commission social research. The focus is particularly on the application of these skills in the field of social policy and social services. Knowledge of methodological tools contributes to achieving the educational and knowledge objectives of the degree course in Social Sciences and Social Services.

At the end of the course, the students:
- Will have acquired knowledge of social research paradigms, including their variety of objectives, tools, and limitations.
- Will be able to identify the different stages of the research design process, both qualitative and quantitative.
- Will develop basic skills to navigate possible research tools in concrete cases in the context of social policies and services.
- Will have developed an understanding of the main qualitative research techniques, including their underlying assumptions, their application in concrete cases, and their usefulness in the context of social policies and services.
- Will be familiar with the main quantitative research techniques, including their underlying assumptions and their utility in research in the context of social policies and services.
- Will be able to critically read and analyse a research report from a methodological point of view.

No prior knowledge is required.

The course is structured into three parts.
The first part focuses on an in-depth study of the scientific method and the underlying paradigms of social research.
The second part of the course delves into the logic, assumptions, and data collection and analysis techniques of quantitative approaches to social research.
The third part focuses on the fundamentals and data collection and analysis techniques of qualitative and ethnographic research.

In each part, the discussion of the main reference concepts is accompanied by the analysis of concrete cases (research problems, use of techniques in existing research)

Studenti e studentesse frequentanti:
1. Corbetta, P. (2014). "Metodologie e tecniche della ricerca sociale". Bologna: Il Mulino (II edizione)
• Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4 (da pag. 123 a pag. 130), 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
2. Cardano, M. (2011) "La ricerca qualitativa". Bologna: Il Mulino.

Other material (chapters, volumes or articles) for further study will be indicated by the teacher during the course.

The learning assessment is based on:

(75%) a written exam aimed at verifying correct knowledge of the course content.
(25%) an essay (group or individual) - or alternatively, an oral examination - aimed at testing the students' ability to reflect on the themes, problems and perspectives that emerged during the course through the critical reading of a research paper.

With regard to grading (the way in which marks will be awarded), regardless of whether attending or not:

A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
sufficient knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language relating to the economic operation of public services;

B. Scores in band 23-26 will be awarded in the presence of:
discrete knowledge and applied comprehension skills with reference to the syllabus;
discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, making autonomous judgements;
fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language relating to the economic operation of public services;

C. Scores in the 27-30 bracket will be awarded in the presence of:
good or very good knowledge and applied comprehension skills with reference to the syllabus;
good or very good ability to collect and/or interpret data, making autonomous judgements;
fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language relating to the economic operation of public services.

D. Honours will be awarded in the presence of knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus, excellent judgement and communication skills.

The course is based on lectures, workshops, and seminar activities, also including classroom presentations of existing research. The workshop and seminar activities, combined with the self-study program, will aim to develop the ability to critically analyse research and the techniques employed, forming the basis for the guided construction of the essay.

Italian

Language of teaching: Italian.
Course materials and information (recommended readings for individual study, and PowerPoint slides) will be available on the course page of the Moodle platform.


Ca ’Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for the support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities and special needs or specific learning disabilities and special needs. If you have a mobility, visual, hearing or other disability and special needs (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder or special needs (Law 170/2010) and you require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for carrying out exams or exams individualized, accessible format material, note retrieval, specialist tutoring to support the study, interpreters or other) contact the Disability and DSA office disabilita@unive.it.

For any clarification, do not hesitate to contact the professor: francesco.dellapuppa@unive.it

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development