The sociological research seminar, subject of the last course of the degree, is based on the knowledge acquired during the previous courses, which implies a broad command of both sociological theory and social research techniques.

The subject is conceived as the last training step prior to the completion of the Bachelor Thesis, so it shares its ultimate objectives with this subject and prepares for research activity from a broad perspective: -Sensitivity to the challenges and social problems of the present moment. -Put into practice the theoretical, empirical and methodological knowledge, as well as the technical skills acquired in undergraduate studies -Ability to correctly state objectives and hypotheses and structure a research project coherently -Command of bibliographic sources and technical resources recognized by the scientific community and to cite rigorously -Practical experience in the use of empirical research methods -Knowing how to convert data into findings and to clearly convey findings to readers -Ability to orally communicate the reasons for choosing a research object, the structure of the study, its main sources and its methodology -Sensibility in the articulation of the conclusions and implications of a study taking into account its limitations

K2: To know of basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. K5: To know the basic components of cultural differences and social inequalities. K6: Know and value the economic, temporal and human resources available for sociological research. K8: Identify the objectives of social and political analysis as well as the populations subject to social research K9: Understand and synthesize the plurality of approaches and concepts of the subdisciplines linked to sociology. S1: To know of basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. S2: Use information interpreting relevant data avoiding plagiarism, and in accordance with the academic and professional conventions of the area of study, being able to assess the reliability and quality of such information. S3: Identify and apply interpersonal skills on responsibility, negotiation and emotional intelligence. S4: Demonstrate good communication and ability to work in multidisciplinary and international environments. S5: Develop personal autonomy in the work and professional sphere in order to identify one's own learning needs. S6: Compose and write speeches following a logical order, providing accurate information and in accordance with the different established standards. S7: Apply the knowledge acquired to identify the sociological perspective in the analysis of social, political and economic processes. S8: Know the tools and instruments of application in the field of sociological analysis in the company S9: Be able to formulate, debate and defend critical reasoning, using precise terminology of the discipline and methodologies of the discipline. S10: Be able to manage, identify, gather and interpret relevant information on the economic, political and social field of teaching and research. S11: Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research techniques, and the ability to discern the most appropriate ones to apply in the specific field of the discipline. C1: Know and be able to handle interpersonal skills on initiative, responsibility, conflict resolution, negotiation, etc., which are required in a professional environment. C2: Know and apply sampling and field work techniques for the different fields of sociological research C3: Possess skills and abilities in developing, using, and interpreting social indicators and social measurement instruments

The objective of this course is to acquire the professional tools necessary to carry out empirical sociological research. Combining theory and practice, we will go through the entire research process, paying close attention to each of its phases. The different elements that make up a social research will be analyzed to approach them both conceptually, in order to understand their logic of operation, and practically, in order to apply them to social research. In preparation for the BA thesis, there will be an emphasis on quantitative research with secondary data. Some cases of good practice will be systematically studied to serve as a base reference and applied exercises will be carried out in class. Through team work, an original empirical study will be carried out whose topic and approach will be justified in class and whose results will be presented at the end of the semester. Based on this approach, the contents will be the following: Topic 1: Definition of social problems: what is relevant? Topic 2: Formulation of a research question. How to make an original contribution Topic 3: Design of an empirical study and case selection based on a suitable data source Topic 4: Analysis of social indicators. International social monitoring systems Topic 5: Data collection and data processing Topic 6: Fundamentals of data analysis: sample and missing data Topic 7: Presentation of descriptive empirical results Topic 8: Design of tables and graphs Topic 9: Preparation of a regression table and its interpretation Topic 10: Conclusions of the research. Evaluation of the contribution made and its limitations

The course has a practical orientation, so a part of it will be based on collective exercises, corresponding to the different phases of the research cycle and the relevant methodological issues. For example, the interpretation of tables and graphs containing descriptive statistics will be practiced and the understanding of a regression table will be reviewed. In addition, the course will provide a forum for the articulation of first ideas for individual Bachelor Theses in Sociology. Throughout the term, each student should briefly present a tentative and provisional proposal of a possible topic for their dissertation, which may be qualitative, quantitative or theoretical in nature. This activity will stimulate reflection on the final thesis project, and promote independent thinking and literature review. Each student will obtain valuable feedback from the professor and his/her peers as to the relevance, novelty and feasibility of the initial idea as well as methodological aspects to be considered. For disaggregated classes students will be divided into teams to conduct a group research paper on a sociological topic of their choice. The group work should adopt a quantitative methodology, use secondary data and follow the standard patterns of a sociological research paper. Both the topic of the research project and its results should be presented by all members of the groups and discussed in class during the term.