The course deals with the main issues and problems of social research, the methodology of sociological investigation, methods and techniques of data collection and analysis. The goal is to show the importance of sociological research for the description and explanation of social phenomena, with regard to the main problems of contemporary society.

Expected learning outcomes
The course provides knowledge and skills regarding the construction of a sociological investigation and the application of social research techniques. At the end of the course the student must be able to describe the main theories, concepts and quantitative and qualitative methods that sociology uses in the study of contemporary society and the main social problems.

Knowledge and understanding
The student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired and is able to use the models and methods of social research. At the end of the course the student must know:
- the logic of social research;
- the methodology and methods of social research;
- the main quantitative and qualitative methods of investigation;
- the main techniques for analyzing empirical data.

Autonomy of judgment
At the end of the course the student must:
- know how to set up a social research;
- be able to recognize and apply the models and methods of social research;
- know the most common techniques of data collection and analysis.

Communication skills
At the end of the course the student must know how to use the specific language of the subject. They must be able to describe the concepts and operating models relating to the conception, construction and implementation of sociological research with language appropriateness.