Introduction to Social Research Methodology - JSM692

• Title: Introduction to Social Research Methodology
• Guaranteed by: Department of Sociology (23-KS)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2024
• Semester: winter
• E-Credits: 9
• Examination process: winter s.:combined
• Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/2, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: 24 / 24 (24)
• 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
• Guarantor: prof. PhDr. Hynek Jeřábek, CSc.; Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Class: Courses for incoming students
• Incompatibility : JSB015, JSB529, JSM540
• Is incompatible with: JSM548, JSM540

Annotation

This foundational course introduces students to the core principles and practices of scientific inquiry in the social sciences. It offers a structured overview of key methodological approaches—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods—and guides students through the essential stages of the research process. Topics include formulating research questions, defining concepts and indicators, designing research frameworks, selecting appropriate data collection methods, and considering issues of validity, reliability, and ethics.
Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills and a critical understanding of how methodological choices shape research outcomes. Through a combination of lectures, readings, and hands-on exercises, students will gain the confidence and competence to design and assess research in various social science disciplines.

This course is suitable for students across fields such as sociology, psychology, political science, education, and economics, and serves as a solid foundation for further study or applied research work.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Aim of the course

Course objectives:

This course has multiple student learning objectives. Students will be expected to develop the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
     a) To understand the nature and purpose of social research
     b) To learn relevant vocabulary/terminology
     c) To understand wide array of research methods and techniques

This class meets in Jinonice building in the room B216 from 8:00 – 10:50 on Wednesdays beginning on October 1, 2025 and ending on December 17, 2025.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Course completion requirements

Examination:

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

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. (16.09.2025)

Literature

Required readings:

Babbie, E., 2020. The Practice of Social Research. London, Wadsworth Publishing Company

 

Additional readings:

Andrews, R., 2003. Research Questions. London, Continuum

Singleton Jr., R. A.; Straits, B. C.; Straits, M. M., 2017. Approaches to Social Research. Oxford, Oxford University Press (6.ed.)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

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. (16.09.2025)

Syllabus

Course schedule:

Lecture 01: Introduction to inquiry

Lecture 02: Process of social research and its key elements

Lecture 03: Research design

Lecture 04: Types of data, variables, peculiarities of defining the indicators

Lecture 05: Sampling techniques

Lecture 06: Modes of unobtrusive and qualitative data collection

Lecture 07: Mid-term test (November 12, 2025)

Lecture 08: Modes of quantitative data collection

Lecture 09: Research instruments and questionnaire design

Lecture 10: Analysis of research findings and research ethics

Lecture 11: Data visualization and presentation of research findings

Lecture 12: Final test (December 17, 2025)

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3aaKdrA4xbBhFavTmSY84eusMcEhZqxiRKy33bRpDS6fg1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=756aae2c-afb2-4c67-b7d2-5a5667d3067d&tenantId=e09276da-f934-4086-bf08-8816a20414a2

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Learning outcomes

This course aims to help students understand the nature and purpose of social research. Students will learn relevant vocabulary and terminology and gain an understanding of a wide array of research methods and techniques.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (28.11.2025)