The construction of quantitative data and its processing

In our continent, there is a rich and varied history and discussion surrounding the scope and possibilities of measurement in the social sciences, as well as extensive experience in the development of social surveys, both in academic and applied research settings. The seminar aims to present the classic core concepts of measurement and a practical overview of the current development of new survey methods in social research. The seminar intends for students to understand the strengths, potential, and limitations of different types of surveys for generating knowledge in the social sciences. In this sense, the course seeks to contribute to improving the ability to apply these techniques and to provide conceptual and methodological tools for the critical evaluation of academic production based on the construction and use of quantitative data.

The objective of the course is for students to develop a basic set of methodological and statistical knowledge and skills to solve research problems involving the collection of primary quantitative information related to behaviors, opinions, and attitudes.

To achieve this objective, we explore topics related to measurement challenges in the social sciences and the empirical operationalization of concepts for constructing observable indicators. Secondly, we present the survey research technique, its characteristics, types, and procedures for data collection. Finally, in a third stage, we introduce the assumptions of sampling and the practical tools necessary for determining the sample in social research using surveys.

• Epistemological perspectives, design and measurement
• Validity and reliability of measurements in Social Sciences
• Operationalization: from concepts to indicators
• Scales for measuring attitudes
• Survey research: definition, uses and limitations
• Form layout
• Introduction to sampling for survey research
• Application of the form - Fieldwork
• Database construction and results processing

• Baranger, D. (2009). Chapter 2: The data matrix. In Data construction and analysis. Introduction to the use of quantitative techniques in social research. Posadas, Argentina.
• Baranger, D. (2009). Chapter 5: Indices and scales. In Data construction and analysis. Introduction to the use of quantitative techniques in social research (pp. 79-86).
• Borsotti, C. (2018). Chapter 8: Data analysis: the property-space concept and the use of ratios, rates, proportions, and percentages. In Padua, J. Research techniques applied to the Social Sciences. Fondo de la cultura económica el Colegio de México.
• Cea D Ancona, MA (2001). Chapter 5: The selection of the units of observation: The design of the sample. In Quantitative methodology: strategies and techniques of social research. (3rd edition) Editorial Síntesis, Spain.
• Cea D'Ancona, MA (2005). Chapter 4: Questionnaire design. In Survey Methods. Theory and practice (pp. 192-298). Editorial Síntesis, Madrid.
• Cea D'Ancona, MA (2005). Chapter 5: Questionnaire Administration. In Survey Methods. Editorial Síntesis, Madrid
• Concha, V., Barriga, O. and Henríquez, G. (2008). The concepts of validity in social research and its pedagogical problems. I Latin American Meeting on Methodology of the Social Sciences. Argentina.
• Díaz de Rada, V (2015). Chapter 3: The questionnaire, “guide” to the interview. In Manual of fieldwork in the survey. Madrid: Center for Sociological Research, 2015 (Methodological Notebooks; 36).
• Díaz de Rada, V (2015). Chapter 4: The interview process: dynamics and information gathering. In Manual of fieldwork in the survey. Madrid: Center for Sociological Research, 2015 (Methodological Notebooks; 36).
• Díaz de Rada, V. (2012). Advantages and disadvantages of the Internet survey. In Papers: journal of sociology. 97 (1), 193-223.
• González Blasco, P. (1998). Measuring in the Social Sciences. In García Ferrando, M. Ibáñez, and Alvira F., The analysis of social reality: Research methods and techniques (pp. 209-235). Alianza Editorial.
• Hernández Sampieri, R. et al. (2014). Chapter 1. Definitions of quantitative and qualitative approaches, their similarities and differences. In Research Methodology (pp. 1-20). Sixth edition McGraw-Hill / Interamericana Editores, SA DE CV Mexico.
• Kerlinger, and Lee, H. (2002). Chapter 8: Sampling and Randomization. In Behavioral Research. 4th Edition. McGraw Hill Publishing.
• Lazarsfeld, P. From concepts to empirical indices. In Boudon, R. and Lazarsfeld, P. Methodology of the Social Sciences(Transcription by Ramón, JM).
• López-Roldán, ; Fachelli, S. (2015). Chapter 11.3 "The survey". In P. López-Roldán and S. Fachelli, Methodology of Quantitative Social Research, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• López-Roldán, ; Fachelli, S. (2015). Chapter 11.3 "The survey". In P. López-Roldán and S. Fachelli, Methodology of Quantitative Social Research, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• Padua, J. and Ahman, I. (2018). Chapter 6: Scales for measuring attitudes. In Padua, J. Research techniques applied to the Social Sciences (pp. 155-218). Fondo de la cultura económica el Colegio de México.
• Selltiz, C. Chapter 10. In Research Methods in Social Relations. (pp. 381 to 425).
• Wainerman, C. (comp.). (1976). Measurement Scales in Social Sciences. New Vision Editions, Buenos Aires.

The basic requirements for taking a seminar are:

• Availability of at least 4 hours per week to dedicate to the seminar course.
• Internet access.
• Reasonable handling of communication and computer tools.
• Language proficiency in the language in which the course will be taught. The official languages ​​are Spanish and Portuguese.

The seminars last 10 weeks, plus the completion of a final project. A total of 90 hours of dedication will be credited.

A course consists of twelve classes, each accompanied by required reading bibliography, supplementary bibliography, discussion forums and training activities proposed by the teaching team, partial deliveries and a final project.
The course is online and asynchronous. Some instructors may propose synchronous activities. In those cases, the time and date will be agreed upon beforehand between the teaching team and the students to ensure everyone's participation.
To pass the seminar, you must participate in at least 80% of the discussion forums and activities proposed by the teachers, have completed the scheduled partial deliveries, and pass the final work.

The possible payment methods are by credit card or bank transfer.