ESOn4003 Research Methodology in Sociology

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2020
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 12 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Beatrice Elena Chromková Manea, M.A., Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Tomáš Katrňák, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Tomáš Katrňák, Ph.D.
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Soňa Enenkelová
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 8:00–9:40 U44
Prerequisites (in Czech)
!NOW( ESOn4019 Research Methodology )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 8 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse research methodologies in the social sciences. Students will also learn the basic methods of both qualitative and quantitative research and gain an overview of the necessary practical skills required for their application. Individual topics include the choosing a methodology, formulating research problems/questions, techniques for gathering data, presenting and interpreting results and research ethics. At the end of the semester, students will be able to create a research proposal and carry out a project that allows them to find answers to relevant social science questions.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:

• Recognize, define and discuss various methods for research in the social sciences
• Review and assess existing research according to its methodology and use of data and methods
• Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Formulate research problems and apply techniques for collecting data and presenting and interpreting findings that address the relevant research questions
• Cultivate research proficiency and expertise by undertaking a semester-long assignment that involves designing a research project and writing up a proposal elaborating it
Syllabus
  • • 1st Seminar: Introduction, course organization
  • • 2nd Seminar: On the history of social research methods. Context of design. What is research design?
  • • 3rd Seminar: Research design – Aims, units of analysis, research strategies and time dimension
  • • 4th Seminar: Data sharing. Replicate research
  • • 5th Seminar: Qualitative methods part I (Focus on: interviewing, focus group)
  • • 6th Seminar: Qualitative methods part II (Focus on: case study, Delphi method)
  • • 7th Seminar: Reading week - no classes
  • • 8th Seminar: Quantitative methods part I (focus on: surveys)
  • • 9th Seminar: Quantitative methods part II (focus: longitudinal and panel survey)
  • • 10th Seminar: Quantitative methods part III (focus: online research)
  • • 11th Seminar: Quantitative methods part IV (Focus on: checking the research instruments, data and results. Measurement, reliability and validity)
  • • 12th Seminar: Mixed methods
  • • 13th Seminar: In-class presentations of preliminary research proposals
Literature
    required literature
  • CRESWELL, John W. and Vicki L. PLANO CLARK. Designing and conducting mixed methods research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2011, xxvi, 457. ISBN 9781412975179. info
  • BABBIE, Earl R. The practice of social research. 12th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2010, xxiv, 530. ISBN 9780495598428. info
  • BRYMAN, Alan. Social research methods. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, xiii, 748. ISBN 9780199202959. info
    recommended literature
  • Bergman, M.M. 2008. (ed.) Advances in Mixed Method Research. SAGE:London
  • YIN, Robert K. Case study research : design and methods. 4th ed. Los Angeles, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2009, xiv, 219. ISBN 9781412960991. info
  • The SAGE handbook of online research methods. Edited by Nigel Fielding - Raymond M. Lee - Grant Blank. Los Angeles: Sage, 2008, xvi, 370. ISBN 9781412922937. info
  • DAVIES, Martin. Doing a successful research project : using qualitative or quantitative methods. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, xiv, 274. ISBN 9781403993793. info
  • The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Edited by Norman K. Denzin - Yvonna S. Lincoln. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2005, xix, 1210. ISBN 0761927573. info
Teaching methods
The course will be given in the form of workshops and student-led seminars. Lectures will focus on both qualitative and quantitative research methods, especially in regard to research design, validity, data collection, and dissemination of research results. Students are expected to complete the weekly readings prior to class, attend classes, participate in discussions, run student-led seminars, prepare and present papers. Written assignments and two tests will facilitate the understanding of the course materials and evaluate students’ understanding of it. Questioning, explaining, collaborating, and demonstrating will be used as teaching methods and strategies.
Assessment methods
Conditions for passing the course:

1. Systematic work on literature, questions and responses to weekly readings, class participation
2. Student-led seminars (20-25 minutes)
3. 1st written assignment - Methods and Data Analysis (1-2 pages)
4. 2nd written assignment – Research Proposal (8-10 pages)
5. Final test

Particular activities of students will be evaluated as follows:

10 points - reading questions
15 points - student-led seminar
15 points - 1st written assignment - Methods and Data Analysis
30 points - 2nd written assignment – Research Proposal
30 points - test results
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Výhradně pro zahraniční studenty programů Sociology a Erasmus.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2020, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2020/ESOn4003