Lectures (LE)
Objectives
The course aims to equip students with the fundamental skills necessary to understand and apply qualitative research methods within the field of social sciences.
Syllabus
The course will begin with an introduction to qualitative research, starting from its epistemological foundations and emphasizing key differences from quantitative research. The implications of these differences will be explored not only at a methodological level but also in relation to the research objectives and the types of research questions that qualitative methods allow scholars to investigate.
Various techniques for collecting qualitative data (e.g., Focus Groups, Semi-structured Interviews, Photovoice, Walk-along; Participatory-research) will be examined, along with approaches for analyzing qualitative data. Students will learn the primary methods for processing and interpreting data, including thematic analysis, grounded theory, and phenomenological analysis. Additionally, the course will address challenges related to validity, ethics, and reliability in qualitative research, proposing strategies to ensure methodological rigor and transparency in results. Case studies will also be presented, with particular attention given to ethical issues such as informed consent, anonymity, and managing relationships between researchers and participants, especially in contexts involving vulnerable populations.
Teaching Methods: Lectures, practical activities, and individual or group exercises.
Prerequisites: Some course materials will be provided in English.
Exam
The Assessment will consist of a written mid-term exam and a final oral examination.
Bibliography
Del Corno, F. & Rizzi, P. (2010) La ricerca qualitativa in psicologia clinica. Raffaello Cortina Editore
Further bibliographic references will be provided throughout the course.
