Aims

a) To present the various methodological stages of a process of research in social
sciences, and of their linkage.
b) To introduce students to research techniques in social sciences, and to the conditions
and limitations of their validity and relevance.

Main themes

a) The methodological approach will focus on the construction of an issue in relation to a
research topic.
b) The course will help students to identify the main statistical sources of economic and
social data and the processing of quantitative data (an introduction to descriptive statistical analysis: measuring concentration and dispersal, chronological series, the constitution of simple and complex indexes, and the presentation and comprehension of data (e.g. tables, graphs and histograms)). Training also opens the way for an analysis of regression and correlation, and is an introduction to the calculation of probability and theories of sampling.
c) Research techniques incorporate the processing of observation data and qualitative
surveys, historical criticism and documentary analysis, and statistical analyses.

Content and teaching methods

In the theoretical section, the course presents the various stages of a research process:
from the starting point to the conclusions, and passing through epistemological rupture, the
construction of an analytical model (concepts, hypotheses and indicators), and the phase when it is compared with reality (observation and collection of data, data analysis, and conclusions).
Steps will be taken at every stage to identify the principles to be abided by, but usually
to identify the key features that will guide researchers in their work. The expositions will
be accompanied by numerous examples and exercises.
Research techniques incorporate the processing of observation data and qualitative
surveys, historical criticism and documentary analysis, and statistical analysis.
In the more practically-based second part, students will be asked to put forward a concrete
contribution, alone or in a group, to the realisation of a research project currently in progress. This contribution may concern either stage of the research process, including fieldwork (e.g. interviews and observations).

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

Recommended reading: R Quivy & L Van Campenhoudt, 'Méthodes de recherche en sciences
sociales', Dunod, Paris, 1995.
Assessment will focus on the way students make their contributions to the project. The
contributions will be the subject of a brief report to be presented for examination.
The teaching methodology will reflect the specific characteristics of the IST student body
In respect of both written support (applications to the economic and social experience) and
the way the course is organised (active and participative methods, supervision in sub-groups, and exercises applied to 'meaningful' data relating to the socio-economic experience).
Practical work sessions relating to the contributions to the research project will be run
by an Assistant.
Supervision of this course will be given by scientific staff.
This course forms part of a study programme given in the evening and/or on Saturdays.

Other credits in programs