Curricular Unit:Code:
Scientific Research Methods875MICI
Year:Level:Course:Credits:
1DoctorateInformation Sciences (Journalism and media studies)10 ects
Learning Period:Language of Instruction:Total Hours:
Portuguese130
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
Develop awareness of the nature of scientific knowledge
Develop the ability to formulate a problem of thesis
Develop awareness of the kind of work that the preparation of a thesis implies - its stages and their requirements of scientific and personal
Develop awareness of the centrality of the method in the production / validation of scientific knowledge
Develop ability to identify and analyze alternatives to a given problem
Develop ability to write a successful thesis proposal
Ability to develop effective communication of ideas to others (whether written or oral)
Syllabus:
1. Introduction, basic assumptions of scientific work. Characteristics of scientific knowledge; what is a thesis; thesis proposal; fundamental questions. Definition of objectives, hypotheses, methods.
2. Planning, the process of the thesis; context of research. The methodology. Analysis of various methods presented.
3. Development of the proposal for mapping out the thesis’ structure; the writing of the thesis; issues of ethics, plagiarism.
4. Presentation of thesis proposals, discussion according to the defined parameters.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
Develop awareness of the nature of scientific knowledge; Develop the ability to formulate a problem of thesis (section 1)
Develop awareness of the kind of work that the preparation of a thesis implies - its phases and its requirements to scientific and personal level; Develop awareness of the centrality of the method in the production / validation of scientific knowledge (section 2)
Develop ability to identify and analyze alternatives to a given problem; Develop ability to write a successful thesis proposal (section 3)
Ability to develop effective communication of ideas to others (whether written or oral) (Section 4)
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Lectures of theoretical and practical nature so as to promote high degree of interaction with the students. The latter is done in order to promote discussion of the issues addressed, with reference to the specific situations of the students’ research which involves also the writing up and presentation to peers of the thesis proposal. Successful completion of this course depends on attendance to more of 50% of the sessions.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The nature of the program is eminently practical which is consistent with the type of classes; learning through the writing and presentation and discussion of the thesis proposal aims at the development of the capacities listed objectives.
Reading:
COUTINHO, C. P. (2015). Metodologia de investigação em ciências sociais e humanas: teoria e prática. Coimbra: Almedina. (BFP 001.8/COU/97503)
DAVIES, M. (2006). Practical research methods for media and cultura studies. Edinburg U P. (CECLICO 303:316.7/DAV/57868)
GRADIM, A. (2016). Anões aos ombros de gigantes. Livros Horizonte. (BFP 001.9/GRA/95288)
HAMMERSLEY, M. (2013). What is Qualitative Research? Bloomsbury. (https://www.bloomsburycollections.com/book/what-is-qualitative-research/)
SCHNEIDERMAN, B. (2016). The new abcs of research: achieving breakthrough collaborations. Oxford: Oxford UP. (BFP 001.89/SHN/93612)
UWE, F. (2005). Métodos qualitativos na investigação científica. Monitor. (BFP 303/FLI/88974)