Advanced Diploma in Methodologies for Social Research

Class 1: Contemporary Epistemological Debates

Teachers: Soledad Balerdi, Rodolfo Iuliano and Juan Ignacio Piovani

Conceptual summary of the class

This class addresses the critique of positivist epistemological paradigms since the 60s. It introduces subsequent decolonial and feminist critiques of the Eurocentric and androcentric constitution of science. We reflect on critiques of the notions of rationality, objectivity, truth, and neutrality that have traditionally been associated with scientific thought.

Class 2: Methodology in the social research process 

Teachers: Soledad Balerdi, Rodolfo Iuliano and Juan Ignacio Piovani

Conceptual summary of the class

This class introduces the main dimensions of the research process, which will be explored in greater depth throughout the diploma program. It covers concepts of methodological design and the research process, including its different stages and the decisions involved. The class also addresses the process of knowledge production in the social sciences, the development of research objects, and their relationship to social phenomena and problems. Finally, it covers degrees of flexibility in design, including quantitative and qualitative approaches in social research.

Class 3: Mixed designs and methodological triangulation

Teachers: Soledad Balerdi, Rodolfo Iuliano and Juan Ignacio Piovani

Conceptual summary of the class

This class will explore the origins and historical development of the concept of triangulation and its scientific applications. Types of triangulation in social research will be covered: indicator triangulation, researcher triangulation, theoretical triangulation, and methodological triangulation. Methodological triangulation will be examined within the framework of the quantitative vs. qualitative debate; intra-method and inter-method triangulation; the question of triangulation versus mixed/multiple methods; the main multi-method designs in the social sciences; and critiques of methodological triangulation.

Class 4: The social research problem and the place of theory

Teacher: Gabriela Gómez Rojas

Conceptual summary of the class 

The relationship between theory and method: bridges and fractures within the unit. The place of method: its functions. The object of study. The role of theory. The research problem: its conditions. Epistemological, methodological, and theoretical conditions for establishing the research problem.

 Class 5: Design Types and Objectives

Teacher: Gabriela Gómez Rojas

Conceptual summary of the class 

Transition from research problem to problem foundation: the theoretical-methodological strategy. Types of designs: according to objectives, according to time frame, according to data source, according to qualitative or quantitative strategy, and according to the level of experimentation.

Lesson 6: Defining the empirical basis. Variables and Hypotheses

Teacher: Gabriela Gómez Rojas

Conceptual summary of the class  

The units of analysis. Types and properties. Levels of analysis. The introductory notion of population and samples. The conceptual framework, concepts, and variables. System of categories. Exhaustiveness and mutual exclusion. The relationships between variables: the hypotheses. Their structure. The hypotheses and the different stages of the research process.

Class 7: The qualitative/quantitative debate in the social sciences: origins, phases and arguments.

Teachers: Leticia Muñiz Terra, Juan Ignacio Piovani and Eugenia Rausky

Conceptual summary of the class 

Qualitative research design. Design components. Different types and models of design. Flexibility, interactivity, and recursiveness.

Class 8: Qualitative sampling. 

Teachers: Leticia Muñiz Terra, Juan Ignacio Piovani and Eugenia Rausky

Conceptual summary of the class

Data collection techniques in qualitative research: participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. Their uses in the social sciences. Advantages and limitations of these techniques.

Class 9: Qualitative Materials Analysis. 

Teachers: Leticia Muñiz Terra, Juan Ignacio Piovani and Eugenia Rausky

Conceptual summary of the class: 

Sociological analysis of discourses and structural analysis. Formalized analytical strategies: content analysis, analytical induction, and grounded theory. Ethnographic analysis and thick description. Biographical analysis.

Class 10: Methodological perspectives on measurement in Social Sciences

Teachers: Alberto Riella and Evangelina Sosa

Conceptual summary of the class 

The meaning of measurement in the social sciences. Epistemological assumptions of measurement instruments. The tripartite property of data.

Class 11: Validity and reliability of measurements in social sciences

Teachers: Alberto Riella and Evangelina Sosa

Operationalization: From concepts to indicators. Approaches to the validity of measurements. Debates on reliability in data construction.

Class 12: Quantitative techniques for measurement

Teachers: Alberto Riella and Evangelina Sosa

Conceptual summary of the class

Scales for measuring attitudes, opinions, and behaviors. Different types of survey research. Secondary sources of information.

Class 13: General presentation of the module and introduction to the research project

Teachers: Paola Mascheroni, Alberto Riella and Evangelina Sosa

Conceptual summary of the class 

Its main components and logical sequence. Types of projects and standardized formats in research funding agencies.

Class 14: Objectives and methodological strategy

Teachers: Paola Mascheroni, Alberto Riella and Evangelina Sosa

Conceptual summary of the class 

Research objectives, their hierarchies, and characteristics. General development of the design. Description of the techniques selected for the research. Main data sources.

Class 15: Activity Plan and Schedule

Teachers: Paola Mascheroni, Alberto Riella and Evangelina Sosa

Conceptual summary of the class

Activity plan and timeline. Planning of stages and activities to be developed during the research and their consistency with the stated objectives. 

You must be registered in the CLACSO Single Registration System (SUIC) and enter your username and password. If you are not registered, click here . To access the registration form, click the "Register" button on the webpage of the Diploma program you are interested in.

Upon completion of the registration process, you will receive a confirmation in your email.

Classes will begin in May and will conclude in August 2025.

From June 9 to 13, 2025, our 10th Latin American and Caribbean Conference of Social Sciences will take place in Bogotá, Colombia. #CLACSO2025 (more information here ). To ensure everyone's participation, we have planned a break from training activities during that week.

All registered participants will receive on the first day of activities the necessary instructions to access the classes, bibliography and discussion forums through the CLACSO Virtual Training Space.

Accessing and navigating the Virtual Learning Environment is very simple and user-friendly. In any case, a technical and academic support team will always be available. For inquiries, you can write to [email protected]

You must send an email with the request to [email protected] and we will send you the requested certificate as soon as possible.

Exceptional Criteria: In exceptional cases, and within the first 20 days of the start of the Advanced Diploma program, students may write to [email protected] requesting to withdraw and stating the reasons. After evaluation of the case, a response will be sent to the request. If approved, the student may resume the Advanced Diploma program if a new cohort is offered the following year. After this period has elapsed since the start of the course, no requests will be accepted.

Money paid will only be refunded in cases where the organizing institutions decide to cancel the activity. 

Yes, the advanced diploma is certified by CLACSO. The diploma will be sent digitally and is completely free of charge.

Payment can be made in one installment, by credit card or bank transfer. We also offer the option of paying in 3 installments.

Yes. There will be discounts for students belonging to CLACSO Member Centers and CLACSO Associated Centers, for CLACSO Associate Researchers, and for all those who pay within the discount period.

You can check if you belong to a member center here: 

https://www.clacso.org/institucional/centros-asociados/

The Advanced Diploma program integrates a dynamic of asynchronous and synchronous classes. Classes are primarily asynchronous. The schedule for synchronous sessions will be communicated by the Diploma coordinator at the beginning of the program, and participation in these sessions is not a prerequisite for passing the program.