YSS-20306 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Techniques in the Social Sciences

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

YRM-10306 Research Methods in the Social Sciences, MAT-15303 Statistics 1 and MAT-15403 Statistics 2.

Continuation courses:

Quantitative Research Methods: Multivariate Techniques (YRM-50806), Observation Techniques (YRM-65000), Interviewing Techniques (YRM-65100), Econometrics (AEP-21306), Consumer Behaviour: Concepts and Research Methods (MCB-30306), Research Methodologies in Leisure, Tourism, and Environment (GEO-30806).

Contents:

Participants develop knowledge and skills to carry out both qualitative and quantitative empirical research. The focus is on data gathering and analysis. Attention will also be paid to the link between these phases and the research process in total.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain and exemplify the goals, background, and some principles of four quantitative data-analysis techniques (regression analysis, factor analysis, analysis of variance, and cross-tabulations);
- apply these four techniques to analyse data from studies in the social sciences (using the computer program SPSS) and appraise the results they produce;
- select the appropriate technique out of these four, given typical research questions;
- explain and exemplify the theoretical principles of qualitative research;
- set-up a qualitative research design in which a practical problem is worked out into research questions and a data-collection plan;
- design an interview guide and observation plan and carry out data collection for qualitative research by means of both interviews and observations;
- code textual material for further analysis;
- discuss the relation between data collection and data analysis in qualitative research;
- appraise the complimentary nature of quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Activities:

- study of literature;
- lectures and practicals;
- group work on exercises.

Examination:

- written test (open book) with multiple-choice and open questions (40%);
- written test (closed book) with 20 multiple-choice questions (20%);
- report on group assignments (30%)(revisions of previously insufficient reports get a mark of 6 at most);
- four interim reports on group assignments (10%).

Literature:

Field, A., (2013). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. 4th ed. Los Angeles: Sage
Boeije, H. (2010). Analysis in Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Handouts.
If new editions of the books appear, they can be used too.