Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences I
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to regression analysis and its uses and limitations in the social sciences, with a primary focus on linear regression of continuous dependent variables.
It covers both bivariate and multivariate regression, examining confounding factors, indirect effects, interaction effects, variable transformations, outliers, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. Special emphasis is placed on developing the ability to independently perform ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, present and interpret results, and understand the method’s areas of application.
Teaching methods feature integrated lecture–lab sessions, supplemented by individual assignments, peer-review tasks, group workshops, and both a classroom and a take-home exam. The course presumes familiarity with basic statistical concepts, such as descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. Successful completion provides a strong foundation for further quantitative study, including Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences II (SO7033) and Event-History Analysis: Regression for Longitudinal Event Data (SO7133).
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Course structure
The course focuses primarily on the ordinary least squares method (Ordinary Least Squares, or OLS) where continuous dependent variables are analyzed. Students learn data management and skills that are specific to performing linear regression analysis in the statistical software package Stata. The methods will be illuminated through their two main areas of application, estimating effects of variables and explaining variation. The course begins with a discussion of bivariate regression (analysis of two variables' relationship) and continues with multiple regression, discussions of spurious relationships and indirect effects. During the course, variable transformations, categorical variables and interaction variables are also discussed, as well as problems with extreme values, heteroscedasticity and multicollinearity.
Teaching format
The course is offered at half-time over 10 weeks. The teaching takes place in the form of lectures and data exercises where statistical software is used.
Assessment
The examination consists of individual assignments, a task to be reviewed through peer-review, a task to be assessed during a group workshop (formative assessment), a classroom examination, and a take-home examination.
Examiner
Docent/Lecturer: Sven Drefahl
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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
Student affairs office
studentexp@sociology.su.seStudy Counsellor
studievagledare@sociology.su.seQuestions about all master's courses/programmes at the Department of Sociology: master@sociology.su.se
