UCL - Méthodologie de la recherche en sciences humaines

[FOPA1330]

[30h + 15h] 5 credits

Teacher(s): Vincent Dupriez

Language: French

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

The course is designed to enable students to
- gain an introduction to the process of a research project in human sciences
- to become familiar with theoretical principles and the practical application of tools in descriptive statistics
- to develop skills in processing, interpreting or presenting qualitative data
- to give meaning to the data they use or put together. Throughout the course, a critical use of the tools is encouraged.

Main themes

Having examined descriptive statistcics in relation to all the processes in research, the following basic themes are studied : population, the individual, variables, size, frequency distribution, proportions, percentages, growth rate and indicators. The course also deals with techniques for regrouping data into classes, levels of measurement and graphic representation of distribution. It covers tools for central measurement and dispersion as well as the normal law. Different kinds of variables and the relationships between variables are also dealt with. There is special emphasis on finding appropriate data and how to integrate it in an analytical procedure.

Content and teaching methods

This course provides an introduction to the theoretical principles and the practical application of tools in descriptive statistics : study of basic concepts, techniques for regrouping data, levels of measurement, graphic representation of distribution; introduction to tools of central measurement and dispersion, study of different kinds of variables and the relationships between variables; showing the use of data in an analytical procedure.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment : Mastering basic tools in descriptive statistics and being able to use them is a specific assignment; even if the sub-group plays an important role in the learning process, assessment should allow for individual appraisal of skills.

Aids : syllabus (or book); transparencies etc.
Developing a teaching strategy adapted to adults includes the link between theory and practice, work in sub-groups, training assessment and group and individual work on the appropriateness of material.
Illustrations from different fields of adult education and training: continuing education, special education, schools, lifelong learning etc.