Theory and Methodology of Social Research: Design, Methods and Analysis

The organization of this course covers the overview of the basic epistemological paradigms in the study of social reality, the basic principles of research design and research choices regarding the methods and techniques of collecting empirical material, and conducting social field research. The tradition of critical realism, social phenomenology, and social constructionism is discussed in terms of the epistemological order issues raised when designing social research. This discussion contributes to the formation of different theoretical choices and the empirical approach to the research object. Research designs are examined in terms of the purpose and type of social research implemented in the community, urban spaces, organizations, and institutions. The methods of collecting empirical material are oriented towards action research, and qualitative research, such as interviews, focus groups, diaries, participatory and systematic observation. Ethical issues related to the conduct of social research are presented with references to relevant codes of ethics of the respective specialized scientific disciplines that the P.M.S. treats.