Doctoral Program in Sociology and Social Research

The general aim is to supply a theoretical, methodological and technical preparation with regard to the following areas: Health and Welfare, Social and Family Policy, Consumption and Communication. The methodological and technical bases of the program focus on the achievement of three orientations as follows: the logic of the research process and the epistemology of the scientific method used in the sociological research; observation techniques in order to provide a sound preparation for the observation and elaboration of data in which the main tool is the statistical database (commonly called quantitative techniques); observation techniques, usually called qualitative techniques, in which the main tool is the text which are later divisible into single or collective interviews and iconographic tools. The purpose is to prepare graduate students to develop their comprehension of the main techniques of the three families described above, and to help them understand the epistemology, the complexity and the scientific logic of the sociological research and capacity to explore and integrate, in a synergic way, different kinds of observation techniques, according to the method, in order to integrate them with the particularity of the research object. Central to the program's mission is the role of tutors who are specialized per area and curriculum. The doctoral program promotes the participation of graduate students both at the professional training schools created by the Italian Sociological Association (A.I.S.) and study periods in research centres both Italian and foreign.