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Students acquire the ability to characterise the fundamentals of empirical studies. They can assign the most important qualitative and quantitative survey methods to the respective scientific-theoretical and methodological background and decide which research questions require which methods. They are able to critically evaluate existing empirical studies and independently carry out the first phases of a research process (formulation of a research question, data collection, method reflection) qualitatively and/or quantitatively or using method triangulation.

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 ‘Introduction to empirical research’.

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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