Curricular Unit:			Code:
Scientific Work Methodology			1180MTC
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
2	Master	Criminology	5 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Winter Semester		Portuguese/English	65
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
OA1 - Deepen knowledge about fundamentals, paradigms, methods and techniques of investigation in criminology; OA2 - Identify and characterize in detail the steps inherent to the research process; OA3 - Acquire and practice practical skills related to the design and planning of research in criminology; OA4 - Identify different obstacles associated with research in criminology; OA5 - Equating problem solving strategies in criminology research.
Syllabus:
1st Unit = Introduction to Research Methodology - CONCEPTUAL PHASE 1. Introductory Questions 2. Planning an investigation 2.1. Choose and formulate a research problem 2.2. Literature review and construction of the theoretical framework 2.3. Library resources 2.4. Delimit the goal of research, your questions or hypotheses 2nd Unit = METHODOLOGICAL PHASE 3. The research design 4. Sampling methods 5. Data collection methods 3rd Unit = EMPRICICAL PHASE 6. Data analysis: general guidelines and common problems 7. Presentation of results: general guidelines and common problems 8. Reporting of results: the research to the dissemination report 8.1. Basic rules of written errors and / frequent problems 9. Basic rules for the preparation of a systematic review of the literature 10. Research Practice
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
Unit 1 – The contents prioritize the deepening of knowledge and skills to development a scientific research: Integrate knowledge, skills and abilities to conduct the scientific process considering the ethics principles; demonstrate knowledge and skills to plan an investigation; Select appropriate methods and techniques; Units 2 and 3 - The contents prioritize the deepening of knowledge and skills at the level of quantitative and qualitative research: know the main techniques for collecting quantitative and qualitative data; know how to treat data;
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Teaching methodology will include theoretical lecturing, research and discussion about the research plan of the students. The evaluation will be continuous consists of the execution of a research project proposal in the area of Criminology (60%) and the presentation and oral discussion of this work (40%), as well as the execution of theoretical-practical tasks and punctuality and attendance of the student.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
Unit 1 - Theoretical exposition of contents, that characterize the scientific knowledge; Demonstration, presentation and discussion on the advantages and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research; Individual and group debate about the choices among the quantitative methods, qualitative methods or the complementary of the two methods; Demonstrations of practical exercises, essentially based on students research projects; Unit 2 and 3 - Theoretical exposition of contents, characterizing the quantitative/qualitative research; Exposition, presentation and discussion on different ways of collecting and processing quantitative/qualitative data; Demonstrations and practical exercises about the choice of quantitative/qualitative method, based on students research projects;
Reading:
Coutinho, C. P. (2013). Metodologia de Investigação em Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Teoria e Prática. 2ª Edição. Coimbra: Almedina BFP 001.8/COU/97503 Dantzer, M.L., Hunter, R. H., Quinn, S. T. (2018). Research methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice (4th Edition) USA: Jones & Bartlett Learning Fortín, M. (2009). O processo de investigação: da concepção à realização. Loures: Lusociência. King, N., Horrocks, C., & Brooks, J. (2019). Interviews in qualitative research (2nd Ed.) London: Sage. Kumar, R. (2019). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (5th Ed.) London: Sage BFP 303/KUM Lisboa, M. (2016). Metodologias de investigação sociológica. Problemas e soluções a partir de estudos empíricos. Vila Nova de Famalicão: Edições Humus Pocinho, M. (2012). Metodologia de Investigação e Comunicação do Conhecimento Científico. Lisboa: Lidel – Edições Técnicas, Lda. Withrow, B. L. (2016). Research methods in crime and justice (2nd edition). New York: Routledge
Lecturer (* Responsible):
Ana Isabel Sani (anasani@ufp.edu.pt) Laura Nunes (lnunes@ufp.edu.pt)