RSPSC/I

Language:

Italian
Textbooks:

Cardano M., Gariglio L. (2022), Metodi qualitativi. Pratiche di ricerca in presenza, a distanza e ibride, Carocci, Roma
Tipaldo G., (2014) L'analisi del contenuto e i mass media. Oggetti, metodi e strumenti, Il Mulino, Bologna.
Learning objectives:

Knowledge and Understanding

The course's general objective is to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively conduct empirical investigations on phenomena. In particular, the course aims to develop the following knowledge and abilities:

Develop a critical perspective for interpreting social reality.
Properly formulate research questions and the hypotheses based on them.
Construct a research design and effectively manage available resources.
Select the most appropriate data collection and analysis techniques.
Communicate the results through a research report.
Autonomy of Judgment

Acquire the logical and methodological concepts necessary to develop a research plan for analyzing social phenomena using both standard and non-standard methods.

Communication Skills

Be proficient in using the terminology of research methodology in the social sciences and effectively communicate results through appropriate reports.
Prerequisite:

Basic Knowledge of Social Research Methodology and Statistics
Teaching methods:

The course will consist of theoretical lectures and practical lab sessions aimed at acquiring operational skills in conducting field research and using software for content analysis. Attendance at the educational activities is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Exam type:

The examination will involve the presentation of a research report.
Sostenibilità:
Further information:

Email: mara.maretti@unich.it

Office hours: After lectures and by appointment, to be scheduled via email.

The course will cover the following educational contents: an introduction to the paradigmatic references of qualitative research in the social sciences; the elements and procedures for structuring and defining the research phases: problematization, research design definition, and selection of techniques for collecting empirical data; naturalistic observation and participant observation: applications and procedures; data collection through interviewing: types of interviews and modes of conducting them; qualitative data analysis: the phenomenological approach, symbolic interactionism, and grounded theory; digital ethnography.

In relation to the previously outlined learning objectives, the module will first introduce the main theoretical frameworks of non-standard research: symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, grounded theory, and approaches originating from constructivism and social process. In this initial part of the program, different methodological perspectives will be compared in relation to research design, the relationship between the researcher and the object of study, research logic and phases, data collection techniques, data nature, and analysis, as well as the presentation of results.

Subsequently, some key qualitative research techniques used in the social sciences will be examined, including:

Participant observation:
Participant observation, along with qualitative interviews, is one of the most commonly used methods for collecting information not only in anthropology but also in sociology. The course provides the essential operational knowledge for successfully conducting participant observation and analyzing the collected qualitative material.

Data collection through interviews:
Various types of interviews will be presented, from structured interviews to open-ended interviews, biographical interviews, and focus groups, along with the methods for conducting them.

An applied deep dive will be conducted into the analysis of social media content.