Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences 2

About this programme

In the course, emphasis is placed on the craft, i.e., implementing, understanding and interpreting analyses with the aforementioned methods rather than on statistical theory, although some statistical theory is included as part of the deeper understanding required by the course. In addition, the course provides an overview of research traditions in quantitative social sciences (such as experiments, quasi-experiments, observation data models) as well as the problems of causality. The course focuses on computer exercises in which the course participants themselves work on analysing a data material. The course design centers on active student participation. The bulk of theoretical learning will take place through reading and discussing texts and conducting analyses in labs or assignments. Labs are in a DIY (do-it-yourself) format. The lab will be conducted independently by the students following instructions (doing it in a group is a good idea). The teaching focuses on providing feedback and discussing the lab. Expect the lab to take at least two hours to complete. This preparation is necessary to benefit from the feedback seminar. The literature and article seminars are mandatory. Each student will be assigned a paper to present (max 10 min) and prepare five questions to discuss during the seminar (while still reading all papers). Teaching is given in the form of lectures, practical exercises in a computer room, as well as seminars. The examination is in the form of group and individual assignments, which will be of formative kind.