Research Design and Methodologies

Semester 1 · 53147 · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 12CP · IT · EN · DE

Introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing social phenomena. Focus on research design, data collection, analysis, and ethical reflection in social work.

Lecturers: Evan Tedeschi, Ulrike Elfriede Loch, Enzo Loner, Carlo Alessandro Nardi

Teaching Hours: 60
Lab Hours: 20
Mandatory Attendance: In accordance with the regulation

Course Topics
The module provides a comprehensive introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interview techniques, surveys and statistical analysis. Students learn to develop research designs, plan and conduct their own research projects and critically interpret data. Practical laboratory exercises encourage the application of interpretative methods and multivariate statistical procedures. Particular attention is paid to reflecting on ethical challenges, the use of digital tools and the interpretation of social inequalities.

Teaching format
Lecture, group work, text work, empirical work

Educational objectives
- Master qualitative data collection and analysis methods - Develop critical reflection on the role of the researcher - Recognize and address ethical challenges in research - Analyze qualitative data using appropriate methods - Design independent research frameworks for field studies - Evaluate ethical implications of qualitative research - Reflect critically on one’s own position in the research process - Apply qualitative data collection methods practically - Reflect on ethical issues in research - Develop methodological skills for field research - Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis - Evaluate ethical aspects in research processes - Develop participatory research approaches - Reflect on own role as researcher - Apply quantitative techniques to analyze social inequalities - Correctly interpret statistical data - Evaluate data quality and reliability - Apply statistical methods to complex social issues - Analyze quantitative data on social inequalities - Evaluate data validity and reliability - Develop own statistical analyses - Apply statistical software - Apply quantitative methods in social research - Interpret statistical results - Develop own research designs - Critically evaluate data sources and analyses - Analyze quantitative data using statistical software - Evaluate the validity and reliability of results - Develop independent research models - Interpret complex statistical analyses

Assessment
Written and oral examination

Evaluation criteria
- Correctness of content and form; - Clarity of expression; - Argumentation skills; - Ability to critically analyse topics; - Ability to self-reflect.

Required readings

Iezzi, D. F. (2009). Statistica per le scienze sociali. Carocci (Chapters 1–6 and 11).

Michel, J. (2026). What is Hermeneutics? Springer.

Pelosi, M. K., Sandifer, T. M., Cerchiello, P., & Giudici, P. (2009). Introduzione alla statistica (2nd ed., Chapters 5, 7, and 8). McGraw-Hill.

Rosenthal, G. (2011). Interpretative Sozialforschung. Juventa

Further reading will be announced during the course

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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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Modules

Semester 1 · 53147A · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 5CP · DE

Module A — Qualitative Social research

Introduction to qualitative research methods in social work: data collection, analysis, and ethical reflection. Focus on fieldwork and participatory approaches.

Lecturers: Ulrike Elfriede Loch

Teaching Hours: 30
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
The course focuses on methods and methodologies of interpretive social research. Students develop their own research project and present the results in the form of a poster presentation

Teaching format
Lecture, group and project work, text work, empirical work and presentation

Required readings

Rosenthal, G. (2011). Interpretative Sozialforschung. Juventa

Schaeffer, D. & Müller-Mundt, G. (Hg.) (2002): Qualitative Gesundheits- und Pflegeforschung. Hans Huber

In addition, lecture notes will be provided during the course.

Supplementary readings

Bohnsack, R., Geimer, A. & Meuser, M. (Hg.) (2018): Hauptbegriffe Qualitativer Forschung. Barbara Budrich

Flick, U. (2016). Qualitative Sozialforschung. Eine Einführung. Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag

Flick, U., Kardorff, E. v., & Steinke, I. (Hg.) (2000). Qualitative Forschung. Ein Handbuch. Rowohlts Enzyklopädie

Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (2008). The discovery of grounded theory strategies for qualitative research (3. pb. pr.). Transaction Publ.

Jahoda, M., Lazarsfeld, P., & Zeisel, H. (1933/1980). Die Arbeitslosen von Marienthal. Suhrkamp

Lienhart, Ch. (2024). Vom Heim nach Hause: Herstellungsleistungen von Familie bei Rückkehrprozessen aus stationären Erziehungshilfen. Barbara Budrich

Loch, U. (2016). Kinderschutz mit psychisch erkrankten Eltern. Ethnografie im Jugendamt. Beltz

Przyborski, A. & Wohlrab-Sahr, M. (2009): Qualitative Sozialforschung. Ein Arbeitsbuch. Oldenbourg

Rosenthal, G. (2018): Interpretive Social Research. An

Introduction. Universitätsverlag Göttingen. (free download: Göttingen University Press)

Seale, G., Gobo, J.F., Gubrium, & D. Silverman (Eds.) (2007): Qualitative Research Practice. Sage

Shaw, I., Briar-Lawson, K., Orme, J., & Ruckdeschel, R. (Eds.) (2013). The Sage Handbook of Social Work Research. Sage

Strauss A., & Corbin J. (1990). Basics of Qualitative Research. Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques, Sage

Strübing, J. (2018): Qualitative Sozialforschung. Eine komprimierte Einführung. DeGruyter

Further reading will be announced during the course

Semester 1 · 53147B · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 1CP · IT

Module B — Qualitative Methods of Social Research (lab.)

Introduction to qualitative methods focusing on practical application, data collection, and ethical reflection in social work.

Lecturers: Carlo Alessandro Nardi

Teaching Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 10

Course Topics
Practical exercises on interviewing, participant observation, and data analysis. Reflection on ethical challenges and participatory approaches. Development of field methodological skills.

Teaching format
The course adopts a practical and participative approach. Group work, workshop activities, discussion and critical reflection are foreseen. Active participation is an essential part of the training course.

Required readings

Michel, J. (2026). What is Hermeneutics? Springer.

Supplementary readings

Dibley, L., Dickerson, S., Duffy, M., & Vandermause, R. (2020). Doing Hermeneutic Phenomenological Research: A Practical Guide. SAGE.

Rosenthal, G. (2018). Interpretive Social Research: An Introduction. Göttingen University Press.

Taherdoost, H. (2026). Navigating Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Methods and Practices. Routledge.

Additional in-depth materials will be indicated by the lecturer in relation to the needs arising during the workshop.

Semester 1 · 53147C · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 5CP · IT

Module C — Quantitative Analysis of Social Inequalities

Introduction to quantitative analysis methods for social inequalities: statistical techniques, data interpretation, and applications in social research.

Lecturers: Evan Tedeschi

Teaching Hours: 30
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
The course, structured in two parts, will cover the following topics: Part One: DESIGNING A STATISTICAL SURVEY - Nature and origin of sample surveys. - The main stages of a sample survey. - Key measurement tools in social research: interviews and questionnaires. - Questionnaire design and administration techniques - Sampling methods. Part Two: DATA ANALYSIS - Probability calculation: introductory concepts. - Binomial and Normal distributions. - Statistical inference: confidence intervals. - Statistical inference: hypothesis testing.

Teaching format
The lecture takes place in remote mode.

Required readings

M.K. Pelosi, T.M. Sandifer, P. Cerchiello, P. Giudici Introduzione alla statistica, McGraw Hill, 2009 second edition (chapters 5, 7, 8).

Lecture notes prepared by the teacher will also be provided.

Supplementary readings

D. F. Iezzi Statistica per le scienze sociali, Carrocci 2009 (capp. 1-6 e 11).

Semester 1 · 53147D · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 1CP · EN

Module D — Quantitative Methods in social research (lab.)

Introduction to quantitative research methods in social research: data collection, statistical analysis, modeling, and interpretation. Focus on practical application with software tools.

Lecturers: Enzo Loner

Teaching Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 10

Course Topics
In-depth study of descriptive and inferential statistics. From data management to hypothesis formulation and testing. Use of statistical software.

Teaching format
Classroom lectures, data analysis and class discussions. Since the lectures will be based on the analysis of real data, students will use their own laptops with SPSS installed, or they will need to reserve a laptop from the library on the day of the lecture. Active participation is an essential part of the course.

Required readings

As this is a practical workshop, the material will be provided to students directly during the lesson and published on the course's online page