Research Methodology

Not applicable.

Theoretical and theoretical-practical aspects:

•      a) An expositive-active methodology that is easy for students to understand is used.
•      b) The exhibition will focus on the identification and understanding of the basic theoretical concepts of scientific research.
•      c) Presentation of practical cases accompanied by theoretical interpretive models and exercises.

– The student should acquire knowledge: About the fundamental concepts related to the research process. In this scope the student should have full knowledge about the different currents / approaches of investigation. Scientific research, as a particular method of acquiring knowledge, carries within itself a set of systematized rules and procedures that the student must master.

– The student should acquire the following skills: Develop research based on the reality you wish to study as well as choose one or more research methods as well as appropriate strategies (methods and techniques). Ability to develop a critical and reflective spirit about the strengths and weaknesses associated with each research method. Provide students with the capacity to 1) organize a research process; 2) choose scientific methods appropriate to the research desired, and 3) analyze the real world challenges and develop formulations and solutions supported by scientific methods.

– The student should acquire the following competences: Competence for the development of a systemic, methodical and rational thinking for the development of a study / research in the area of health. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately the scientific results of research

Part I:

• Introduction to Science and Scientific Knowledge. Science – Introductory Perspective: Laws, Empirical Factors, Methods and Technique; The Scientific Revolution (16th and 17th centuries) and the different approaches to science (Pre and Post-Renaissance period); The 14th and 20th Century – Evolution and paradigm shifts. The definition of “Knowledge”, the Process of Knowledge; Types of Knowledge (Sensitive versus Intellectual). The “Thought” – Intellectual Activity. The Object of Knowledge – “Reality”. Levels of Knowledge about Reality: Empirical Knowledge, Philosophical Knowledge, Theological Knowledge and Scientific Knowledge.
• Scientific Research – Introductory Perspective. The Scientific Method in the Natural Sciences: Describe, Explain, Predict. Scientific knowledge as a rational, methodical and systematic process. The relationship between Scientific Knowledge and the contribution to the definition of Parameters of a Profession. Concrete Thinking versus Abstract Thinking. Method and Technique – Conceptual Approach; The Quantitative Research Method and the Qualitative Research Method. Conceptualization and Operationalization of Key Concepts. The “Observation”: Types of Observation. The “Concepts”; The “Variables” (types).

Part II:

• Formalization of a research intention: The Research Project:
• a) Conceptual Phase of the Research (Formulation of a Research Problem; State of the Art – type of sources; types of information; Electronic research; Electronic Research Tools and Bibliographic Reference; Research Objectives; Research Questions or Hypotheses)
• b) Methodological Phase (Research Designs; Population and Sample: sample estimation either with the application of the “Rule of Thumb” or with specialized software for the purpose – G*Power); Types of Variables; Methods and Types of Harvest Instruments); Statistical Strategies based on research hypotheses (Decision Trees).
• c) Organization of the Study (Schedule; Research Team; Ethical Considerations).

Part III:

Implementation of the investigation: the Empirical/Experimental Phase:

• a) Data collection rules;
• b) Transposition of data to software specialized in processing statistical information (IBM SPSS Statistics);
• c) Treatment and analysis of clinical data with application of hypothesis tests for statistical inference;
• d) Interpretation and Communication of results.

Part IV:

• Types Communication of information resulting from an investigation:
• a) Communication in Scientific Poster Format
• b) Communication in Scientific Article Format applied to quantitative and qualitative studies.
• c) The Scientific Article with the application of a “Systematic Review”.

NAO

Bibliografia Primária

1. Foddy, W. Como Perguntar, teoria e prática da construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários. Celta Editora, Oeiras; 1996.
2. Fortin, M-F. O Processo de Investigação – da conceção à realização. Lusociência, Loures; 1996
3. Gonzaga, R.A.F. Regras Básicas de Investigação Clínica. Instituto Piaget, coleção “Medicina e Saúde”, Lisboa, 1994.
4. Quivy, R.; Campenhoudt, L. Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais. Gradiva, Lisboa; 1998.

Bibliografia Secundária

• 1. Ramos, ST.; Naranjo, E.S. Metodologia da Investigação Científica. Editor: Escola Editora; Edição: Maio: 2014
• 2. Alves, M.P. Metodologia Científica. Editor: Escolar Editora; Edição: maio de 2012
• 3. Carvalho, J.E. Metodologia do Trabalho Científico – Saber Fazer da Investigação para Dissertações e Teses (2ª Edição). Editor: Escolar Editora; Edição: maio de 2009
• 4. Azevedo, C.A.; Azevedo, A.G. Metodologia Científica – Contributos Práticos para a Elaboração de Trabalhos Académicos (9ª Edição). Editora: UCP Editora; Edição: Novembro, 2008