Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences

The course introduces to the methodological principles of quantitative social research. It focuses on the role of theory in quantitative social research, introduces to major quantitative methods of data collection, main principles of questionnaire construction and its administration, sampling and research ethics. During the course students are expected to develop and to conduct in groups a research project.

Learn to design and to conduct a quantitative research project.

A relevant topic is chosen, research problem is adequately formulated, the object, aim and goals of the study are properly defined. Difference between methodology and method is defined; main principles of quantitative research methodology are described. Research hypotheses are properly formulated, conceptual model is adequately developed, the link between theory and research tool is properly demonstrated. Quantitative research and properly designed and conducted, relevant quantitative research methods are chosen. Research population is clearly defined, relevant sampling method is chosen. Method of administering survey questionnaires is relevantly chosen and substantiated. Main principles of a proper and valid research tool are described; instrument of empirical research is relevantly constructed and based on conceptual model. Empirical data is properly coded and processed using SPSS. Univariate and bivariate data analysis is properly conducted. Main principles of social research ethics and their application in social research are described. Actual social problem is chosen and explored by applying quantitative methods of social research. Research report is properly prepared.