The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to apply key research methodologies with scientific rigor throughout their PhD program and future research endeavors. In particular, students will learn to independently formulate research questions suited to various methodologies, write literature reviews, design and conduct studies, and critically review their own articles in preparation for submission to academic journals.

It is required that students propose a topic related to their research project to apply the theoretical contents illustrated during the thematic lectures.

The course is structured into three modules. A) Research Design: The design of a research project (scientific article, doctoral thesis, project to be submitted for funding) is the first fundamental aspect that a student must grasp at the beginning of the doctoral research. This is essential to have a clear understanding of the structure and communicative purposes of scientific writing, and key aspects such as the novelty and original contribution of one's research. The relationship between the research design and theoretical frameworks will be explored. B) Literature Review: Literature review is an essential step in research activities to identify available evidence and the current state-of-the-art on the phenomena we want to study. Different methods will be illustrated based on the objectives and contributions expected from a literature review, with a particular focus on the systematic review of the literature C) Research Questions and Methodologies: This module will enable students to formulate appropriate and consistent research questions with the desired methodological approach (quantitative, qualitative, mixed). It helps define their positioning in relation to existing literature and clarify their contribution. Some lessons will be dedicated, in the case of quantitative studies, to supporting students in formulating and arguing coherent research hypotheses. Course Schedule: Session 1 – Course Introduction: Working on your PhD project Session 2 – Research Design Session 3 – Dealing with Theory Session 4 – Developing a Literature Review Session 5 – Designing a Research Question (Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches) Session 6 – Final presentations (research design and methodology)studies, to supporting students in formulating and arguing coherent research hypotheses.

On site

Oral presentation - Written report presentation - Team project work development

P.D.2-2 - March

The course will be held right after the enrollment of new students in the second term, to ensure attendance during the first year of the program