The intensive training course on Methods and Methodology in research, lectured by Prof. DSc Emilia Chengelova (IFS-BAS), is tailored for PhD students and researchers in IFS (and social and humanitarian sciences) and will focus on empirical research in social sciences. The following topics will be included:
- Social empirical research (SEI) – essence, cognitive goals, functions and tasks. Types of SEI. Basic research approaches. Basic concepts used by the sociologist at SEI
- Development of methodology (Program) for SEI. Basic elements of SEI – theoretical model, subject, object, goals, tasks. Formulation of basic research hypotheses. System of empirical indicators. Sampling methodology. Representative and non-representative research
- Classification of methods for gathering empirical information through ESI. Genesis of methods and conceptual bases for their formation as research approaches within basic sociological paradigms
- Quantitative methods for gathering information – standardized interview, telephone interview, self-completion questionnaire, postal questionnaire, electronic and internet surveys
- Research tools for gathering information using quantitative methods. The questionnaire – a classic example of a research tool. Features in the construction of questionnaires – methodological problems and solutions, types of questions. The art of asking questions. Graphic design of the questionnaire. Testing of the questionnaire and preparation of the final version for field work.
- Qualitative methods for gathering empirical information – focus group discussions, in-depth interview, case study, semi-structured interview, narrative interview. Applicability of quality methods, cognitive functions, features and limitations in their application. Scenario for focus group discussion. Guidelines for in-depth interviews.
- Analysis of the information gathered with the product SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Basic methods for statistical and mathematical analysis of aggregate information. Preparation of data for processing – coding; logical control over errors; file cleaning; selection of tables and visualization (graphs, figures, diagrams, etc.) Reading the main results of information processing (one-dimensional distributions, crosstabs, etc.).
Please note that a registration is required. You can see the program and register with the button on the right.