Applied Social Research - JSM032

• Title: Applied Social Research
• Guaranteed by: Department of Sociology (23-KS)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2024
• Semester: both
• E-Credits: 7
• Hours per week, examination: 2/1, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: winter:24 / 24 (20); summer:unknown / unknown (20)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment; priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan; you can enroll for the course in winter and in summer semester
• Guarantor: Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Class: Courses for incoming students
• Incompatibility : JSM540
• Is incompatible with: JSM548, JSM540

Aim of the course

Course Objectives:

This course has several student learning objectives. Students are expected to develop the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
a) Understand the nature and purpose of social research
b) Learn relevant vocabulary/terminology in the field of attitude measurement
c) Distinguish between methods for identifying bias and other research errors
d) To understand the basic methodology of attitude measurement.

This course will be held in the Jinonice building, room B228, on Thursdays from 8:40 to 10:50, starting on February 19, 2026 and ending on May 14, 2026.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)

Course completion requirements

Examination:
Students are required to take midterm and final exams (closed book exam, single best answers).

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)

Literature

Obligatory reading

Hedrick, T. E., Bickman, L., Rog, D. J., 1993. Applied Research Design. A Practical Guide. London, SAGE Publications

Rog, D. 2009. Applied Research Design: A Practical Approach. The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods

 

Recommended reading

Batini, C., Scannapieco, M., 2006. Data Quality. Concepts, Methodologies and Techniques. Berlin, Springer-Verlag.

Biemer, P. P., Lyberg, L. E., 2003. Introduction to Survey Quality. New Jersey, Wiley.

Sudman, S., Bradburn, N. M., Schwarz, N., 1996. Thinking about Answers: The Application of Cognitive Processes to Survey Methodology. New Jersey, Wiley.

Willis, G. B., 2005. Cognitive Interviewing. A Tool of Improving Questionnaire Design. London, SAGE Publications.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)

Requirements to the exam

Grading

     91-100 % = A

     81-90 % = B

     71-80 % = C

     61-70 % = D

     51-60 % = E

     < 50 % = F (failed; not passed)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)

Syllabus

Major Topics

Lecture 01: Course Overview; Introduction to the Total Survey Error Paradigm

Lecture 02: Mode Effect

Lecture 03: Social Desirability Response Bias

Lecture 04: Satisficing

Lecture 05: Other Response Biases

Lecture 06: Midterm (April 9, 2026)

Lecture 08: Cognitive interviewing

Lecture 09: Nonresponse bias

Lecture 10: Mixed Design

Lecture 11: Validity & Reliability

Lecture 12: Final Exam (May 14, 2026)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)

Learning outcomes

This course aims to help students understand the nature and purpose of social research. Students will learn relevant vocabulary and terminology in the field of attitude measurement. They will also learn to distinguish between methods for identifying bias and other research errors. Finally, students will understand the basic methodology of attitude measurement.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)