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RESEARCH METHODS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH

Module 2

Syllabus

EN IT

Learning Objectives

Main Objective of the Course
 
The primary objective of the course is to introduce students to research methods in the social sciences, with a specific focus on quantitative methods for impact evaluation and experiments.
 
Learning Outcomes
 
The course contributes to achieving the objectives of the degree program, in line with the expected professional profiles and career opportunities, by providing students with essential knowledge to design a robust research project, starting from specific research questions, and select appropriate methodologies for data collection.
 
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
 
At the end of the course, students will know and understand key concepts such as causal inference, randomized controlled trials, and behavioral experiments.
 
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
 
The course provides tools to understand and design a robust research project, starting from specific research questions.
After the lessons, students will consolidate their understanding of fundamental concepts, enabling them to select appropriate methodologies and tools for data collection. They will also enhance their ability to independently apply the knowledge acquired to effectively present their results.
 
JUDGMENT SKILLS
 
The ability to draw independent judgments and conclusions about the effects of policy interventions is encouraged by highlighting: Connections between concepts developed during the course, Knowledge acquired in previous courses, Links between these notions and major contemporary economic challenges.

Prerequisites

No formal pre-requisites

Program

The course is an introduction to research methods in the social sciences, with a focus on quantitative methods, in particular empirical and experimental methods for impact and policy evaluation.

The course programme is divided into two inter-related modules as follows:

The first module serves as a foundation for understanding the tools and methodologies used in empirical social science research, emphasizing rigorous approaches to causal analysis and evaluation.

The second module focuses on the use of behavioral experiments to explore decision-making and interaction among economic agents. Introducing experimental designs and providing students with a comprehensive toolbox to conceptualize and conduct their own experiments

Books

First Module:
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2016. Impact Evaluation in Practice. Second Edition. World Bank Publications

Second Module:
Cartwright, E. (2018). Behavioral economics. New York : Routledge

Bibliography

First Module:
- Anglemyer A, Horvath HT, Bero L. 2013. Healthcare outcomes assessed with observational study designs compared with those assessed in randomized trials”. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Second Module:
- Fischbacher, U., Gächter, S., & Fehr, E. (2001). “Are people conditionally cooperative? Evidence from a public goods experiment.”
Economics letters 71(3): 397-404
conditionally cooperative? Evidence from a public goods experiment.”


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Secondo Modulo:
Cartwright, E. (2018). Behavioral economics. New York : Routledge

Teaching methods

The course combines various teaching methods, including lectures, experiments and student presentations. Lectures will provide students with the necessary information and reading guidance on the phenomena under study, while presentations are designed to encourage participation and class discussions. Students are required to attend every lecture, come to class prepared, and actively engage in discussions.

Students will agree on the topic of their presentations with the instructors and deliver their presentations using PowerPoint.

Exam Rules

The requirements for attending students include participation and discussion in class, the preparation of a Research Design Paper based on an anticipated (or hypothetical) research project, and the presentation of their research project during the last week of classes.

Regarding assessment, the final grade for attending students will be determined as follows: 40% will be assigned to the Research Design Paper, 40% to the Research Design Presentation, and 20% to class participation.

Non-attending students will be assessed differently: 30% of the final grade will be assigned to the Research Design Paper, and 70% to the written exam.

The written exam will serve to assess whether the student has acquired the relevant skills, understood the methodologies proposed in the course syllabus, and developed the ability to design a research project.