INTERNSHIP: SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY LABORATORY

The laboratory is designed as a practical extension of the theoretical courses in social research methodology. It offers students the opportunity to work on concrete case studies and develop research project work, experiencing firsthand the different stages of the research process, from formulating questions to presenting findings.

Particular emphasis will be placed on capacity building and teamwork, which are considered key transversal skills for planning and carrying out research in complex and collaborative contexts.

By the end of the laboratory, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the principles guiding research design and of the main techniques for data collection, analysis, and representation, both qualitative and quantitative. They will be able to apply this knowledge in the conduct of empirical research, integrating, when appropriate, web-based data and innovative digital tools. Students will also develop the ability to critically assess methodological and ethical choices in research projects, to collaborate effectively within a group, and to present results in both written and oral form, using appropriate disciplinary language and suitable means of data representation. Finally, they will consolidate the skills required to pursue independent research and to transfer what they have learned into different academic or professional contexts.

The laboratory guides students through the different stages of an applied social research process, combining practical activities with critical reflection. Following an initial phase dedicated to capacity building and the organization of research groups, attention will shift to constructing the research design and defining data collection tools.

The central part of the course will consist of hands-on laboratory sessions in which students will experiment with both qualitative and quantitative techniques, applying them to concrete case studies. Digital data and web-based sources will also be introduced, with particular attention to the methodological and ethical challenges their use entails.

A key focus will be placed on analyzing the collected data, as well as interpreting and representing the results. This stage is designed to foster not only technical skills but also critical abilities, linked to the evaluation of the validity and coherence of research choices.

The course will conclude with the preparation of a group research report and an in-class discussion of the results, marking a moment of synthesis and collective learning.

• Materials provided in class
  Articles, datasets, and methodological guidelines prepared by the lecturer. These materials will form the core of the laboratory and will be selected based on the activities carried out and the project's needs.

• Suggested core texts
  -Martire F., Parra Saiani P., Cataldi S. (2023), La ricerca sociale e le sue pratiche, Carocci, Parte IV: E dopo? Elaboriamo e analizziamo le informazioni (pp. 240–314).
  -Corbetta P. (2014), Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale, Il Mulino (only the chapters indicated by the lecturer).

• Additional readings valuable for the development of project work or for exploring specific aspects:
  -Bichi R. (2007), La conduzione delle interviste nella ricerca sociale, Carocci.
  -Marradi A. (2019), Tutti redigono questionari. Ma è davvero così facile? FrancoAngeli.
  -Cardano M. (2011), La ricerca qualitativa, Il Mulino.
  -Di Franco G. (2015), EDS: Esplorare, descrivere e sintetizzare i dati, FrancoAngeli.
  -Salganik M. J. (2019), Bit by Bit. Social Research in the Digital Age, Princeton University Press.

Attendance and active participation in the laboratory are considered integral to the training experience and are a fundamental requirement for assessment. Learning will be assessed through both individual contributions and group work, with particular attention to the quality of the final project work.

Assessment will cover five areas of competence:

• Knowledge and understanding: evaluated through mastery of the fundamental concepts of social research methodology, as demonstrated in class activities and in the project work.

• Application skills: assessed through the correct and consistent use of research methods and techniques in real case studies.

• Critical autonomy: verified through the ability to reflect on methodological choices, evaluate results, and consider the ethical implications of research.

• Communication: assessed in the clarity and coherence of the written report and the oral presentation of findings.

• Learning ability: observed in the capacity to incorporate feedback and progressively develop autonomy in conducting research activities.

Grading criteria

• Not approved: attendance below 75% of total hours or significant shortcomings in one or more areas.

• Approved: attendance of at least 75% (maximum four absences), adequate knowledge and methodological application, regular contribution to group work, and satisfactory completion of the project work.

• Approved with distinction: attendance of at least 85% (maximum three absences) and advanced performance in several areas, with complete methodological competence, critical autonomy, rigorous presentation of results, and active, qualified contribution to collective work.