Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: Criminology

MÉTODOS QUALITATIVOS EM CRIMINOLOGIA - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 3

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Mestre Josefina Castro
Assistant Professor: Mestre Josefina Castro

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The main objective of the CU is to provide an introduction to qualitative research (QR), specifically its theoretical-epistemological fundamentals, the research process, and the main methodologies for data collection and analysis.

Specific Aims/Objectives

It is expected that by the end of the UC, students will:
-Develop a theoretical-epistemological perspective on the emergence and developments of qualitative research (QR) in social sciences and, particularly, in Criminology;
-Understand the logic and process of QR;
- Be familiar with the main methods and procedures for qualitative data collection;
- Be familiar with the main procedures of thematic analysis in QR.

Skills to be acquired

It is expected that by the end of the UC, students will have acquired:

- Skills in analyzing and discussing qualitative studies on delinquency, deviance, and social control.
- Basic skills in planning, data collection, and thematic analysis in qualitative research (QR).

Teaching Procedures

The class typology is theoretical-practical. This involves combining the presentation of programmatic content with methodologies aimed at promoting active learning, particularly through student participation in solving exercises that apply knowledge and develop methodological skills.

Programme

I. Introduction to Qualitative Research (QR)
1. Theoretical and Epistemological Fundamentals
2. QR in the study of deviance, delinquency, and social control:
II. Planning and Designing QR
1. The qualitative research process
2. Types of studies and types of qualitative data
3. Relationship between theory, research questions, methodologies, and methods
4. The circularity of the research process
5. Strategies of Sampling
III-Data Collection Methods: qualitative interviews, observation and ethnography, document analysis, and focus groups
IVIntroduction to Data Analysis in QR: thematic analysis
VEthics in qualitative research
VI. Quality of QR: objectivity, fidelity, validity, and generalization.

Evaluation Type

Two written tests and a written assignment comprising an analysis of a qualitative scientific article.

Teaching Resources

Academic research databases; other materials that enable students to practice qualitative research skills.

Sustainability Objectives

This course aims for students to acquire essential knowledge and skills necessary for acquiring and producing scientific knowledge, which are indispensable requirements for a solid academic formation.

Keywords

Qualitative research; qualitative research methods

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography