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Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences I

The objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to regression analysis and its uses and limitations. The focus of the course is on linear regression analysis of continuous dependent variables, but it also introduces to logistic regression analysis. The course covers both bivariate regression and multivariate regression analysis

After spring 2023 this course will move to the autumn semesters. The next time the course will be given after spring 2023 is at halftime in period C and D autumn 2023.

Within these topics, we discuss confounding and indirect effects, interaction effects, variable transformations, outliers, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. Specific attention will be paid to considerations of which research questions the different methods can answer as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results, including their limitations. The course requires prior knowledge on quantitative data analysis. Previous experience of the statistics software Stata is recommended. The course is also suitable for those who want to refresh their regression analysis skills. The course prepares for advanced courses in quantitative research methods, such as Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences 2, SO7033.

 

 

 

  • Course structure

    The  course  focuses  primarily  on  Ordinary  Least  Squares  (OLS)  regression  with  continuous  dependent  variables,  but  also  covers  the  analysis  of  binary  dependent  variables  (including  logistic  regression).  These  methods  will  be  approached  through their  two  main  purposes,  namely  the  estimation  of  the  effects  of  variables  and  the  explanation  of  variance.  The  course  starts  with  a  discussion  of  binary  regression  analysis,  followed  by  multiple  regression,  confounding,  and  indirect  effects.  Other  topics covered include dummy variables and variable transformations, interactions, and outliers, heteroscedasctity, and multicollinearity.

    Course PM - all you need to know

    Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences I 2023 (196 Kb)

    Teaching format

    The course is offered at half-time over 10 weeks. Course participants and instructors meet approximately twice a week for lectures, computer-based exercises and/or seminars using Stata. Course participants submit exercises and comment on peers’ exercises in Athena and/or during seminars

    Assessment

    The examination consists of active participation, individual assignments, and a take-home exam.

    Examiner

    Docent/Lecturer: Sven Drefahl

  • 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

  • Contact

    Student Affairs Office

    Study counsellor

    Exchange studies

    Directors of studies, all levels

    Questions about all master's courses/programmes at the Department of Sociology: master@sociology.su.se