2025
Methods and Techniques of Sociological Research II
Name: Methods and Techniques of Sociological Research II
Code: SOC02406L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Sociology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
Stimulating the spirit of scientific discovery and learning how to do sociological research using the best methods and techniques for a more rigorous observation of social life
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
- Provide the basic methods and techniques of scientific research;
- Learn the different stages of practical implementation of a social research, integrating theories and methods;
- Interpret, critically, the methodologies used in works of disclosure, in general scientific research and particularly in the domain of social sciences, especially sociology;
- Contribute to a critical and relativist analysis of the scientific knowledge in its methodological and practical aspects.
- Justify specific methodological and technical components of other curriculum subjects.
- Learn the different stages of practical implementation of a social research, integrating theories and methods;
- Interpret, critically, the methodologies used in works of disclosure, in general scientific research and particularly in the domain of social sciences, especially sociology;
- Contribute to a critical and relativist analysis of the scientific knowledge in its methodological and practical aspects.
- Justify specific methodological and technical components of other curriculum subjects.
Contents
The Collection of Information: the triggered information (interview); direct observation (characteristics, types, limitations and control procedures).
Validation, Processing and Synthesis of the Information: validation of the data (internal and external validation); the coding and quantitative and qualitative processing of the data; Tabulation and graphical representation of empirical data.
The Research Report: General aspects of a Research Report; analysis of concrete research reports.
Validation, Processing and Synthesis of the Information: validation of the data (internal and external validation); the coding and quantitative and qualitative processing of the data; Tabulation and graphical representation of empirical data.
The Research Report: General aspects of a Research Report; analysis of concrete research reports.
Teaching Methods
This Curricular Unit has both a theoretical and practical nature. In theoretical lectures, the professor presents the syllabus content, drawing upon reference literature. Practical lectures consist of exercises to apply these theoretical concepts, including bibliographic research, the development of interview and observation guides, data collection, transcription of interviews, field observation, etc.
Outside of scheduled lectures, tutorial guidance sessions may be arranged during office hours or at an alternative time, provided they are scheduled in advance via email.
In this Curricular Unit, the use of AI tools is restricted (see Evaluation section). The improper use of AI tools will be considered academic fraud under the terms of Article 119 of the Academic Regulations (Code of Conduct, Fraud, and Plagiarism).
Outside of scheduled lectures, tutorial guidance sessions may be arranged during office hours or at an alternative time, provided they are scheduled in advance via email.
In this Curricular Unit, the use of AI tools is restricted (see Evaluation section). The improper use of AI tools will be considered academic fraud under the terms of Article 119 of the Academic Regulations (Code of Conduct, Fraud, and Plagiarism).
Assessment
Students may choose between the continuous assessment system or the final assessment system.
Continuous Assessment
Under this system, students are evaluated based on the following components:
- (3) Individual written tests covering theoretical content.
Weighting: 37,5%
- (3) Group (written and oral) exercises related to practical classes.
Weighting: 37,5%
- Active Participation based on engagement during classes.
Weighting: 25%
The minimum required grade for each assessment component is 9.5 (out of 20).
Final Assessment
Under this regime, students are evaluated based on a single individual, closed-book final exam, which accounts for 100% of the final grade.
Given the assessment methodology of this Course Unit, the use of AI tools is only permitted to assist in creating supporting materials for oral presentations (e.g., PowerPoint), based on content previously produced by the students themselves.
If AI tools are used, students must include a session identifier or a sharing link of the interaction to ensure transparency.
Example Disclosure: "In the preparation of this work, the tool [Name of AI, e.g., ChatGPT] was used. The author(s) fully validated the content and assume final responsibility for the work presented. AI session link: [Link, e.g., https://chatgpt.com/share/...]"
Any use of AI not explicitly mentioned above is considered unacceptable.
The improper use of AI tools will be treated as academic fraud under Article 119 of the Academic Regulations (Code of Conduct, Fraud, and Plagiarism).
Continuous Assessment
Under this system, students are evaluated based on the following components:
- (3) Individual written tests covering theoretical content.
Weighting: 37,5%
- (3) Group (written and oral) exercises related to practical classes.
Weighting: 37,5%
- Active Participation based on engagement during classes.
Weighting: 25%
The minimum required grade for each assessment component is 9.5 (out of 20).
Final Assessment
Under this regime, students are evaluated based on a single individual, closed-book final exam, which accounts for 100% of the final grade.
Given the assessment methodology of this Course Unit, the use of AI tools is only permitted to assist in creating supporting materials for oral presentations (e.g., PowerPoint), based on content previously produced by the students themselves.
If AI tools are used, students must include a session identifier or a sharing link of the interaction to ensure transparency.
Example Disclosure: "In the preparation of this work, the tool [Name of AI, e.g., ChatGPT] was used. The author(s) fully validated the content and assume final responsibility for the work presented. AI session link: [Link, e.g., https://chatgpt.com/share/...]"
Any use of AI not explicitly mentioned above is considered unacceptable.
The improper use of AI tools will be treated as academic fraud under Article 119 of the Academic Regulations (Code of Conduct, Fraud, and Plagiarism).
Teaching Staff
- Alexandra Maria Barradas Batista
- Mara Clemente [responsible]
Accreditations and Certifications
