This version of the course guide is provisional until the period for editing the new course guides ends.

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Research Methodology

Code: 45497 ECTS Credits: 5
2025/2026
Degree Type Year
Advanced Studies in Catalan Language and Literature OB 1

Contact

Name:
Gemma Repiso Puigdelliura
Email:
gemma.repiso@uab.cat

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this document.


Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.


Objectives and Contextualisation

  • Identify the fundamental parts of a scientific paper (abstract, introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, results, and discussion).

  • Recognize the communicative function of each section within the overall structure of the text.

  • Independently and progressively write sections of one’s own Master’s Thesis (abstract, theoretical framework, methodology, bibliography).

  • Receive and apply constructive feedback to improve the quality and coherence of the thesis.

  • Analyze scientific articles to identify their structure, argumentative strategies, and methodological soundness.

  • Critically evaluate the relevance and quality of sources related to one's own research project.

  • Locate relevant academic sources using specialized databases (MLA, Scopus, Google Scholar, Dialnet).

  • Correctly use reference management tools (such as Zotero or Mendeley) and apply standardized citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago).

  • Develop self- and peer-review strategies focused on content, argumentation, and clarity of exposition.

  • Incorporate continuous improvement practices in the writing of scientific texts.


Learning Outcomes

  1. CA04 (Competence) Produce research work and professional projects related to the Catalan language and literature following the ethical codes of scientific research.
  2. CA04 (Competence) Produce research work and professional projects related to the Catalan language and literature following the ethical codes of scientific research.
  3. CA05 (Competence) Manage the selection, analysis and presentation of linguistic and literary data taking into account the gender perspective.
  4. KA04 (Knowledge) Select the appropriate primary sources and bibliographic resources to prepare a research project on Catalan language or literature.
  5. KA05 (Knowledge) Define the different types of academic work for the communication of research in Catalan language and literature.
  6. KA06 (Knowledge) Identify the main digital resources (corpora, digital repositories, databases, etc.) for research in Catalan language and literature.
  7. SA05 (Skill) Critically select the sources and bibliographic resources to prepare the master's dissertation.
  8. SA05 (Skill) Critically select the sources and bibliographic resources to prepare the master's dissertation.
  9. SA06 (Skill) Use specific computer resources to obtain and process linguistic and literary data.
  10. SA07 (Skill) Analyse the method, structure and results of academic work related to the subject of the Master's Dissertation (TFM).
  11. SA08 (Skill) Structure the results of research on Catalan language or literature.
  12. SA08 (Skill) Structure the results of research on Catalan language or literature.
  13. SA09 (Skill) Communicate the results of their own research in the various types of academic and professional work clearly and correctly.
  14. SA10 (Skill) Discuss the selection of sources, the orientation and the structure of the Master's Dissertation.

Content

Students will learn the internal structure of academic papers and the specific functions of each section: theoretical framework, methodology, results, and discussion. They will apply this knowledge through the writing of the theoretical framework and the abstract of their Master’s Thesis (TFM).

Students will learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific article and to critically integrate scientific literature into their own work. They will also practice text revision strategies (both in terms of content and form) to improve their own writing and that of their peers.

Students will learn to identify, locate, and select relevant academic sources for the TFM. They will learn to distinguish between different types of publications (peer-reviewed journals, monographs, conference proceedings) and to consult academic databases such as MLA, Scopus, Google Scholar, or Dialnet. Ethical use of information will also be addressed, with emphasis on citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) and the construction of a bibliography using reference management tools.

Throughout the course, students will produce partial drafts of their TFM (abstract, introduction, theoretical framework, bibliography, methodology, etc.), which will be reviewed by both the instructor and their peers. This progressive production allows for the consolidation of methodological knowledge and steady progress in the development of the TFM. Emphasis will be placed on continuous improvement and reflection on one’s own writing.


Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Attendance at classes and scheduled activities. 24 0.96 CA04, KA06, SA05, SA06, SA07, SA08, SA09, SA10, CA04
Reading and browsing websites 41 1.64 CA05, KA04, CA05
Type: Supervised      
Elaboración de trabajos y de presentaciones orales 50 2 CA04, CA05, KA04, KA05, KA06, SA05, SA07, SA08, SA09, SA10, CA04

The course will be carried out through a combination of theoretical and practical activities aimed at active learning, critical reflection, and the progressive improvement of the student's academic output. The following methodological strategies will be employed:

  • Lectures: Theoretical explanations by the teaching staff to introduce key content, accompanied by practical examples and references to academic works.

  • Guided practical activities: Individual or group exercises focused on specific skills such as the development of the theoretical framework, formulation of objectives, bibliographic research, critical evaluation of sources, and application of citation standards.

  • Reading and analysis of academic texts: Review of relevant scientific articles, followed by discussions focused on the critical analysis of their structure, content, and style.

  • Progressive development of academic work: Drafting of TFM sections (abstract, introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, etc.) in different stages, with feedback from both the teaching staff and peers.

  • Collaborative review and self-assessment: Peer-review activities to improve the quality of academic writing, develop critical skills, and foster student autonomy.

  • Oral presentations: In-class presentation of the work developed, with special attention to clarity, structure, and argumentation, as preparation for the final TFM defense.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Assessment

Continous Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Analysis of an Academic Article 20% 2.5 0.1 KA04, KA05, KA06, SA05, SA06, SA07
Preliminary Oral Presentation of the TFM 30% 2.5 0.1 CA04, SA08, SA09, SA10
Summary and Keywords of the TFM Project 10% 2.5 0.1 CA04, SA09, SA10
Theoretical framework 40% 2.5 0.1 CA04, CA05, KA04, KA05, KA06, SA05, SA06, SA07

The evaluation of the course is based on four main components that reflect the methodological and academic competencies that students must develop throughout the course:

  1. Summary and Keywords of the TFM Project – 10%
    Each student must submit an initial summary of their Master's Final Project (TFM), including the objectives, justification, and proposed methodological approach. In addition, they must identify between 5 and 7 keywords that define their research area. Clarity, coherence, and synthesis ability will be assessed.

  2. Theoretical Framework – 40%
    Students are required to produce a solid theoretical framework that contextualizes the research topic within its disciplinary field. They must demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and integrate relevant academic sources. Argumentative coherence, analytical depth, and correct citation of sources will be evaluated.

  3. Analysis of an Academic Article – 20%
    Students must critically analyze an academic article by another researcher related to their TFM topic. The analysis should include an assessment of the methodology, theoretical relevance, and conclusions. Critical thinking, text comprehension, and connection with the student’s own project will be evaluated.

  4. Preliminary Oral Presentation oftheTFM – 30%
    Each student must deliver an oral presentation on the current state of their TFM, including the research question, theoretical framework, planned methodology, and initial findings (if applicable). This presentation will serve as a preparatory exercise for the final defense. Clarity, structure, use of visual aids, and ability to respond to questions will be assessed.

Active participation in module sessions will be an important evaluation criterion.
To pass the course, students must obtain a minimum score of 5 out of 10 in each of the evaluation activities. If a student does not reach the minimum grade in any activity, it can be retaken within the recovery period established by the academic calendar. The maximum grade for any recovered activity will be 5 (pass).

Any irregularity in an evaluation activity (plagiarism, copying, impersonation, etc.) will automatically result in a grade of 0 for that activity, regardless of any disciplinary proceedings that may follow. If multiple irregularities are detected, the final grade for the course will be 0.


Bibliography

Booth, Wayne Clayson; Colomb, Gregory G.; Williams, Joseph M.; Bizup, Joseph; FitzGerald, William T. (2016): The craft of research . 4th ed. University of Chicago Press

Carrizo Sainero, Gloria (2000): Manual de fuentes de información. 2a ed. Saragossa, Confederación Española de Gremios y Asociaciones de Libreros.

Day, Robert A.; Gastel, Barbara (2006): How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper.Westport, Greenwood Press.

Eco, Umberto (1991): Cómo se hace una tesis. Técnicas de investigación, estudio y escritura. Barcelona, Gedisa.

Icart, M. Teresa; Pulpón, Anna M. (2012): Cómo elaborar y presentar un proyecto de investigación, una tesina y una tesis. Barcelona, Publicacions i Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona. Mestres,

Josep M. et al. (2007): Manual d'estil: La redacció i l'edició de textos. Vic, Eumo.

Pujol, Josep M.; Solà, Joan (2011): Ortotipografia: Manual de l autor, l editor i el dissenyador gràfic. Barcelona, Educaula.

 Vidal Beneyto, José (dir.) (1991): Las industrias de la lengua. Madrid, Fundación Germán Sánchez Ruipérez.

Zock, Michael; Carroll, John (2003): Les dictionaires electroniques, Traitement automatique des langues, vol. 44, núm. 2/2003

 


Software

Takats, S., Stillman, D., Cheslack-Postava, F., Bagdonas, M., Jellinek, A., Najdek, T., Petrov, D., Rentka, M., & Venčkauskas, A. (2023). Zotero (6.0.26) [Windows 10]. Corporation for Digital Scholarship. https://www.zotero.org/

Mendeley (Version 1.19.8) [Windows 10]. Elsevier. https://www.mendeley.com/


Groups and Languages

Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 Catalan second semester afternoon