Understanding Methods in Social Science Research

Undergraduate Program Status

Mandatory
2nd year
Modes of Interpretation
Mandatory-Elective
Sociology - Specialization
Course Level: 
Bachelor's
Campus: 
Vienna
Course Open to: 
Students on-site
Academic Year: 
2022-2023
Term: 
Fall
US Credits: 
2
ECTS Credits: 
4
Course Code: 
UGST4027
Course Description: 

This course provides an introduction to the process of crafting social science research and investigating the social world using a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course covers the fundamentals of research design, research and the collection, the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data and results. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will explore various methods of social investigation and experience the ways of how social scientists conduct research.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

· Turn substantive interests into specific and testable research questions;

· Understand basic qualitative and quantitative research methods;

· Know the basic elements of different methodological approaches and understand their merits and limitations;

· Identify an appropriate method to match a research question;

· Understand and meet the ethical standards for conducting research with humans;

· Develop skills for reading, understanding, and critically thinking about empirical research using qualitative and quantitative methods.