LFU:online

Application of the methods of empirical social research in practice

On the basis of theoretical inputs we will execute three different case studies. For these case studies there will be a description of relevant situations and starting-points with regard to the methodological operationalization. We intent to exercise different methods and best practices (quantitative and qualitative).

The purpose if the first part (xx and xx xx 2014) is to develop a study concept (identification of the cognitive interest, the definition of the target group(s), sample selection, definition of the data collection technique) and a questionnaire so that the student can realize a couple of test interviews.

In the second part (xx and xx xx 2014) we will qualify the defined and applied study concept (reflection; identification of strengths and weaknesses) and discuss on optimizations. The purpose of the data analysis is to identify the main insights and to generate recommendations. Finally we review the project process and discuss on different aspects of operational risks and quality management.

·         Presentation and discussion on the main topics of empirical social research

·         Development of a case study: Development of the study concept, development of the questionnaire, realization of test interviews, evaluation of the applied methods, analysis of the collected data and presentation of the key insights

Evaluation of the outputs: Presentation of an main topic of empirical social research, questionnaire, evaluation of the applied methods, presentation of the key  insights

Main source

-          Schnell, Rainer/Hill, Paul B./Esser, Elke: Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung, München/Wien 2008 (8. Auflage)

·         Kapitel 1: Ziel und Ablauf empirischer Sozialforschung, Seite 5 bis 15

·         Kapitel 4: Konzeptspezifikation, Operationalisierung und Messung, Seite 127 bis 205

·         Kapitel 6: Auswahlverfahren, Seite 265 bis 316

·         Kapitel 7: Datenerhebungstechniken; 7.1 Befragung, Seite 321 bis 388

·         Kapitel 8: Datenaufbereitung; 8.1 Die Erstellung einer Datenmatrix (nur 8.1.1 und 8.1.2), Seite 423 bis 429

·         Kapitel 9: Datenanalyse, 9.1 Randauszählung und 9.2 Subgruppenauszählung, Seite 441 bis 445

Further souces (base for the presentation and discussion on the main topics of empirical social research)

-          Atteslander, Peter: Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung, New York/Berlin 2008 (12. Auflage)

-          Baur, Nina; Behnke, Joachim; Behnke, Nathalie: Empirische Methoden der Politikwissenschaft, Paderborn 2006

-          Diekmann, Andreas: Empirische Sozialforschung. Grundlagen, Methoden, Anwendungen, Reinbek bei Hamburg 2007 (3. Auflage)

-          Schnell, Rainer/Hill, Paul B./Esser, Elke: Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung, München/Wien 2008 (8. Auflage)

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