Research design and skills

Teacher(s)

Baudewyns Pierre; Camatarri Stefano (compensates Baudewyns Pierre);

Language

English

Main themes

The course will begin by introducing students to the different paradigms of scientific research and reasoning. Then, the course will cover the fundamentals of research design in PPE sciences: how to develop a research question? How to develop theoretical background and empirically testable hypotheses? And finally, how to choose a methodological design (qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis). The course also covers the notion of causality and inference.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

To identify the research paradigm within which their research design fits To carry out an academic (scientific) reading To identify theories, hypotheses, and methods used in research To identify different kinds of data to empirically measure concepts, compare and draw inferences To identify how to establish causality To communicate their own research in writing and presenting a paper

Content

The course introduces students to the fundamentals of designing and carrying out research in the social sciences. It covers:

• The objectives and principles of the scientific method
• Techniques for information search and selection of relevant sources
• Referencing standards, plagiarism, and the use of artificial intelligence in research
• Academic reading practices and critical synthesis
• Formulating and refining a research question
• Developing a theoretical framework and hypotheses

Applying these skills through practical assignments and a final multiple-choice exam

Teaching methods

The course is primarily lecture-based, supported by detailed PowerPoint presentations. Practical sessions (TP) are integrated, encouraging active learning by applying and exercising the conceptual content covered in class through concrete cases.

Evaluation methods

Student performance is assessed through two components: (i) graded exercises completed during practical sessions, and (ii) a final written multiple-choice exam.

Other information

The use of artificial intelligence during the assessment tests for this course is governed by the rules set out in the faculty memo on this subject, which is available on the faculty intranet site in the information section for students.

Online resources

All resources are provided on the course’s Moodle website.

Bibliography

Un portefeuille de lectures sera communiqué tout au long du cours.

Teaching materials

• Présentations PowerPoint

Faculty or entity

> ESPO