Méthodes de recherche en sciences sociales

Teacher(s)

Sabbe Mathias;

Language

French

Content

This methodology course aims to introduce the main stages of the research process in social sciences. It will particularly emphasize the initial stages of research: the formulation of an initial question, the exploration (literature review and conducting exploratory interviews), the definition of a theoretical framework, as well as the formulation of research hypotheses. In doing so, the course will introduce a series of skills and methodological tools useful for implementing these research steps (e.g., literature review, creating an interview guide, etc.).
The course will also present a range of methodological options (both classical and innovative) useful for collecting and analyzing empirical data within the context of social science research. It will illustrate these different methods of data collection and analysis, while also outlining their advantages and disadvantages.
Encouraging the development of a critical self-analysis approach by students, the course will pay attention to epistemological and ethical questions that arise when conducting empirical research in familiar environments.
The course will combine theory and practice to support the development of an exploratory research report that lays the groundwork for more advanced research. This research report will be done in groups by students and evaluated by the teacher at the end of the semester. Throughout the semester, a series of group exercises will help students progress in completing this final report.

Teaching methods

Weekly course (Saturday morning) and taught in person at the Mons campus.
The teaching approach relies on a group work dynamic. It alternates between:

• Theoretical sessions covering the essential stages of research (as mentioned above).
• Small group tutoring sessions, guiding the application of various research stages.

A series of practical exercises will help reinforce the acquisition of skills and prepare for the completion of a research report (group project).

Bibliography

Ouvrages généraux de méthodologie en sciences sociales
* Van Campenhoudt, L., & Quivy, R. (2011). Manuel de recherche en sciences sociales. Paris : Dunod.
* Albarello, L. (2012). Apprendre à chercher. Bruxelles : De Boeck.
* Beaud, S., & Weber, F. (2010). Guide de l'enquête de terrain. Produire et analyser des données ethnographiques. Paris : La Découverte.
Ouvrages de méthodologie spécifiques aux disciplines suivant le cours
* Coman, R., Crespy, A., Louault, F., Pilet, J. B., Van Haute, E., & Morin, J. F. (2016). Méthodes de la science politique: De la question de départ à l'analyse des données. Bruxelles : De Boeck Supérieur.
* Derèze, G. (2019). Méthodes empiriques de recherche en information et communication. Bruxelles : De Boeck Supérieur.

Teaching materials

• Van Campenhoudt, L., & Quivy, R. (2011). Manuel de recherche en sciences sociales. Paris : Dunod.
• Beaud, S., & Weber, F. (2010). Guide de l'enquête de terrain. Produire et analyser des données ethnographiques. Paris : La Découverte.
• Albarello, L. (2012). Apprendre à chercher. Bruxelles : De Boeck.

Faculty or entity

> PSAD