Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Research Methods in Social Sciences
Course Code
SZF_203
Branch of Science
Sociology and social work
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Political Science; Rehabilitation; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time; Distance
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Ieva Saukuma
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The course aims to develop students’ comprehensive understanding of the nature and principles of social research, including research design, the key stages of the research process, and the principal methodological approaches used in the social sciences. Throughout the course, students acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research designs. Particular attention is devoted to sampling strategies, data collection, data processing, and data analysis. The course further strengthens students’ competencies in selecting and applying appropriate social research methods for the investigation and analysis of specific societal issues and problems.
Preliminary Knowledge
For participation in the course requires competencies in information analysis and critical evaluation. Students are expected to possess basic computer literacy necessary for working with data processing and analysis software. Proficiency in English is required for engaging with research reports and academic publications, as well as for understanding and applying research terminology in English within the field of social research.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Understand the nature of social research, know the progress and principles of study planning
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data • Test on Social Research Design and Methodology • Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences
2.Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative approach research methods
Individual work and tests
Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences • Test on Social Research Design and Methodology • Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data
3.Is familiar with the principles of building research methodologies
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data • Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences • Test on Social Research Design and Methodology
Skills
1.Understands the fundamental principles of research data analysis and interpretation and is able to critically evaluate research results
Individual work and tests
Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences • Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data
2.Is able to develop an appropriate research design, select research methods aligned with the research objectives, and define the research sample
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data • Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences
3.Process and analyze the collected results of the study
Individual work and tests
Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences • Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data
Competences
1.Selects a study design appropriate to the situation/problem
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data • Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences
2.Understands the nature, significance, and role of social research in science and is able to characterize it
Individual work and tests
Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences • Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data • Test on Social Research Design and Methodology
3.Interprets the study results according to the purpose of the study
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data • Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Analysis of social research design and methodology, investigation of a research problem relevant to the field of science, and processing and analysis of the obtained research data |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Independent work is organized in several stages and includes the analysis of research reports and academic publications, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, as well as the development of a research design in accordance with the issues relevant to the respective field of science. The preparation of independent work also includes the study of relevant literature, the acquisition of which is assessed through questions included in the course test and final examination. |
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Examination
|
Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test on Social Research Design and Methodology |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The test includes questions on the development of research design, data collection methods used in social research and the fundamental principles of their application, as well as questions related to ethical aspects of research in the social sciences |
||
|
2.
Final Examination – Research Methods in the Social Sciences |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The examination includes questions on the topics covered in the course, as well as on the content included in the course’s required literature |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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2
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Introduction to social studies: principles of scientific approach, nature of social research, ethical principles in public research, disciplines of social sciences and corresponding methodological specialisation.
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Introduction to social studies: principles of scientific approach, nature of social research, ethical principles in public research, disciplines of social sciences and corresponding methodological specialisation.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Study design in social sciences: descriptive, explanatory and interpretive research. Identification of the research problem, research issues, literature review, conceptualisation and operationalisation, qualitative, quantitative and mixed approach.
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Study design in social sciences: descriptive, explanatory and interpretive research. Identification of the research problem, research issues, literature review, conceptualisation and operationalisation, qualitative, quantitative and mixed approach.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
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Lecture
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On site
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Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
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Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
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2
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Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
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2
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Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
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Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
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Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
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Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
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Lecture
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
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On site
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2
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Combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Contact hours
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Contact hours
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interpretation and visualisation of study results
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interpretation and visualisation of study results
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interpretation and visualisation of study results
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interpretation and visualisation of study results
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Assurance of the reliability of the study
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Assurance of the reliability of the study
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Complementary research methods: case studies, action studies, analysis of secondary data, use of visual data, vignettes, scenarios, narcotic analysis, meta analysis, comparative research, etc.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Practical application of research methods in social sciences
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Test
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Exam
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to social studies: principles of scientific approach, nature of social research, ethical principles in public research, disciplines of social sciences and corresponding methodological specialisation.
|
|
Study design in social sciences: descriptive, explanatory and interpretive research. Identification of the research problem, research issues, literature review, conceptualisation and operationalisation, qualitative, quantitative and mixed approach.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
|
|
Combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
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Topics
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Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
|
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Lecture
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Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
|
Interpretation and visualisation of study results
|
|
Assurance of the reliability of the study
|
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Processing and analysis of study results: data processing and analysis in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant programmes (SPSS, R, Stata, MAXQDA). Descriptive statistics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interpretation and visualisation of study results
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interpretation and visualisation of study results
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Test
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Exam
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
DISTANCE
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to social studies: principles of scientific approach, nature of social research, ethical principles in public research, disciplines of social sciences and corresponding methodological specialisation.
|
|
Study design in social sciences: descriptive, explanatory and interpretive research. Identification of the research problem, research issues, literature review, conceptualisation and operationalisation, qualitative, quantitative and mixed approach.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Main research methods in the qualitative approach: basic sampling principles, interviews, focus group discussion, observation/participatory observation, discourse analysis, tentative analysis, narcotic analysis
|
|
Main research methods in the quantitative approach: basic sampling principles, survey, observation, contentanalysis
|
|
Combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Assurance of the reliability of the study
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical application of research methods in social sciences
|
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Exam
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
8 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Crano, William, D. et al. Principles and Methods of Social Research (4th Edition). Taylor & Francis, 2023.Suitable for English stream
2.
Foster, Liam & Sloan, Luke & Clark, Tom & Bryman, Alan. Bryman's Social Research Methods, (6th Edition). Oxford University Press, 2021.Suitable for English stream
3.
Grønmo, Sigmund. Social research methods: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications Ltd, 2020.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Bernard, Russell H. “Interviewing: Unstructured and Semistructured” In: Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, ed. Russell H. Bernard, 210-250. Oxford: AltaMira Press. 2006.
2.
Islam, R. M. Research Ethics in Social Science: An Overview. Springer Nature Singapore, 2024
3.
Harding, Jamie. 2019. “Collecting and Managing Focus Group Data.” In Qualitative Data Analysis, 2nd ed., 85-100. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
4.
Field, A., Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics, SAGE edge.