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Methodology of the Social Sciences

Methodology of the Social Sciences

Code	13114
Year	1
Semester	S1
ECTS Credits	5
Workload	TP(45H)
Scientific area	Sociology
Entry requirements	N/A
Mode of delivery	Face-to-face.
Learning outcomes	1) To introduce the student to epistemological and methodological reflection on the social sciences; 2) To provide the student with basic skills in the procedures necessary for the construction of scientific knowledge, familiarising him/her with the theories, concepts and main issues that define the specificity of the different social sciences as a scientific discourse; 3) Encourage the development of a critical, reflective academic (and professional) attitude based on ethical principles.
Syllabus	1.The construction of epistemological discourse in the social science(SC) 1.1 The process of social scientific knowledge construction 1.1.1 Science as a specific form of knowledge 1.1.2 The plurality of the social sciences, the unity of the social and the specificity of sociology 2.Obstacles to social knowledge and the break with common sense 2.1 Scientific conflicts and ideological conflicts 2.2 Processes of rupture with common sense and obstacles to scientific knowledge 3.The logic of scientific research: theoretical-methodological issues and means of investigation 3.1. The dominant role of theory in the research process 3.2 Problems and controversies in theory construction and testing 3.3 Problems of observation and measurement in the SC 4.Methodology of scientific work 4.1 Sociology as a multi-paradigmatic science 4.2 The objectivity issue 4.3 Diversity of methodological strategies and research techniques 4.4 General stages in the research process 4.5 Ethical and political issues
Main Bibliography	Albarello, Luc, et al (1997), Práticas e Métodos de Investigação em Ciências Sociais, Lisboa, Gradiva. Alonso, J. (2010), Fundamentos de Epistemologia, Barranquila, Ediciones UFB. Durkheim, E. (1993), As Regras do método Sociológico, Lisboa, Presença. Freixo, Manuel João Vaz (2009), Metodologia Científica: Fundamentos, Métodos e Técnicas, Lisboa, Instituto Piaget. Lakatos, E. M. & Marconi, M. A. (2003), Fundamentos de metodologia científica, São Paulo, Atlas. Marques, N. (2013), Epistemologia do Século XX, Pelotas, IFECT. Quivy, R. & Campenhoudt, L.V. (2008), Manual de investigação em Ciências Sociais, Lisboa, Gradiva. Ragin, C., & Amoroso, L. M. (2018), Constructing Social Research, the unit and diversity of method. Sage Santos Silva, A. & Madureira Pinto, J. (2014), Metodologia das Ciências Sociais, 16ª edição, Porto, Ed. Afrontamento. Sedas Nunes, A. (1982), Questões preliminares sobre as ciências sociais, Lisboa, Editorial Presença + additional bibliography to be indicated
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria	The programme will be developed through theoretical-practical classes comprising the presentation of content and work on application, reflection and discussion by the students. Assessment involves two mini-tests, each weighted at 40% of the final grade, and guided work in class, weighted at 20%. The student's final grade will result from the weighted average of the assessment elements.
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.