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Students acquire the ability to deal with fundamentals of empirical studies. They understand to allocate the most important qualitative and quantitative survey methods to the respective scientific-theoretical and methodological background and chose the necessary methods for each research question. They are able to deal with current empirical studies and to apply the first steps of a research process (formulation of a research issue, data collection, method reflection) autonomously in terms of quality and/or quantity or method.

The seminar will teach the essential principles of empirical social research and give an overview of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and the underlying conceptions. To understand the different approaches, we will do some practical training in conducting interviews: We will design questionnaires for standardized surveys (quantitative method), and practice to conduct narrative interviews (qualitative method). The seminar is closely related to the lecture ‘Angewandte Methoden der Sozialwissenschaften’.

The students will give own presentations, we will talk about texts, and we will do practical exercises. Text reading and willingness to actively participate are expected.

Oral presentation and handout, contributions/active participation

Diekmann, A. (2010): Empirische Sozialforschung Reinbek: Rowohlt

Przyborski, A./Wohlrab-Sahr, M. (2008): Qualitative Sozialforschung. München: Oldenbourg

Küsters, I. (2008): Narrative Interviews. Grundlagen und Anwendungen. Wiesbaden: VS

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