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Research Methodology in Economics

Code 16281
Year 1
Semester S1
ECTS Credits 6
Workload TP(30H)
Scientific area Economics
Entry requirements NA
Learning outcomes The general objective of the Curricular Unit (CU) is to introduce students to advanced concepts of scientific research; in the scientific method; in the definition and construction of hypotheses; and in the different research methodologies.
The specific objectives of the curricular unit are:
- Develop motivation for building scientific knowledge in Economics;
- Prepare students to formulate research hypotheses;
- Prepare students to carry out and understand scientific research in Economics;
- Train students in the various research methods in Economics;
- Train students in the methods and techniques of data collection, validation, analysis and interpretation of data and information;
- Prepare students to design, develop and write a research project in Economics.
- Instill in students ethical concerns associated with economic research.
Syllabus 1.SCIENCE AND SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
Metaphysics and epistemology
Scientific knowledge and common sense
Deductive and inductive reasoning
Hypothetic-deductive method
The specificity of Social Sciences
2.STAGES OF THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROCESS
Research question
Exploratory readings
Problematic
Model of analysis
Observation
Results analysis
Conclusions
3.SEARCH AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Main bibliographic databases
Literature Review
4.METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF COLLECTING, TREATMENT AND ANAYSIS OF INFORMATION IN ECONOMICS
Qualitative and quantitative information
Primary and secondary data
Main statistical and econometric methods
Interpretation of the results and robustness analysis
5.PREPARING, STRUCTURING AND PRESENTING RESEARCH PROJECTS
Preparing the dissertation research project
Formal structure of the dissertation
Presentation of the research work and results
6.SCIENTIFIC WRITING
General guidelines
References and bibliographic citations
Main Bibliography Ethridge, D. (2004). "Research Methodology in Applied Economics", 2nd ed., Blackwell.
Jonker, J.; Morgado, P. M.; Pennink, B. (2018), Metodologia de Investigação em Ciências Económicas -- Um guia conciso para estudantes de mestrado e doutoramento, Coimbra: Actual Editora.
Quivy, R., & Campenhoudt, L. (2008). "Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais", 5ª ed. Gradiva – Publicações, Lisboa.
Walliman, N. (2017). "Research methods: the basics", 2nd ed., Routledge.
Carvalho, J. E. (2009). “Metodologia do Trabalho Científico – “saber-fazer” da investigação para dissertações e teses”, 2ª ed., Escolar Editora
Vilelas, J. (2017). “Investigação – O Processo de Construção do conhecimento”, 2ª ed. Edições Silabo
Angrist, J.; Azoulay, P.; Ellison, G.; Hill, R.; Lu, S. F. (2017), Economic research evolves: Fields and styles, American Economic Review, 107(5), 293-97.

Several selected articles that are available on the Moodle platform.
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria The teaching-learning process consists of theoretical-practical classes. In classes, initially there will be a theoretical exposition of the syllabus, contents that are supported by the UC's mandatory bibliography and will be subject to evaluation in the written test. Furthermore, classes also involve the discussion of scientific articles as well as debates about the challenges faced by students as they begin the research process.
The assessment consists of: i) written test (50%); ii) work 1: preparation of a literature review (25%); and iii) work 2: preparation and presentation of a research proposal (25%)
To be admitted to the final exam, students must attend at least 50% of the classes and obtain a classification in the continuous assessment equal to or greater than 6 points.
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2024-01-17

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