Introduction to Quantitative Data Management and Statistics
The course is intended for students who wish to acquire practical skills in the management of quantitative data and detailed planning of statistical analyses, as well as a working knowledge of basic statistics.
The course is aimed for students who have little or no previous experience working with quantitative data and methods. Among the topics covered are: differences between types of data, responsible data management and the ethics of using survey data, basic programming, how to assess variables and write an analysis plan, as well as conduct descriptive and uni/bivariate analyses. We use STATA software in the course, which offers students an important opportunity to master a key skill for quantitative research. The course will increase students’ability to independently plan, execute and document data analyses: Are the data source and variables suitable for the research question? How can data management and documentation increase efficiency and accuracy? Throughout the course, students will have access to a pre-existing dataset. This dataset will be used during most of the course, but students are encouraged to begin looking for a data source to use in their thesis and are required to assess the appropriateness of data sources in the course.
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Course structure
Course work consists of computer-based exercises, written and oral presentations, and lectures. Computer exercises will be individually completed.
Teaching format
The course is offered at full-time over 5 weeks. Course participants and instructors meet approximately twice a week for lectures, computer-based exercises and/or seminars. Course participants submit exercises and comment on peers’exercises in Athena and/or during seminars.
Course-PM
Introduction to Quantitative Data Management and Statistics (IQDMS) 2024 (628 Kb)
Assessment
Examination consists of individually assembled assignments and an analysis plan.
Examiner
Senior Lecturer: Sunnee Billingsley
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Directors of studies, all levels
Questions about all master's courses/programmes at the Department of Sociology: master@sociology.su.se
