Lab: Data Analysis for the Study of Social Inequalities in a Comparative Perspective
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
1. Brief Introduction to Comparative Research
- Teorethical approaches to comparative research and the study of social inequalities in a comparative perspective
- Examples of empirical studies that investigate social inequalities in a comparative perspective
2. Aggregate Data:
- International policy reports and data sources
- Aggregate data sources: OECD, Eurostat, World Bank
3. Exploring Correlations with Aggregate Data
- Hands-on analysis with country-level data
- Descriptive statistics and indices measuring social inequalities
- Data visualization techniques in comparative research
4. From Aggregate (back) to Individual Data
- Limitations of aggregate data: Ecological fallacy, lack of granularity and contextual specificity
- Introduction to individual-level data
5. Risk of ignoring the structure of correlations within groups:
- Overview of Methodologies for Clustered Data
- Practical applications: Comparing individuals within and between countries
- Teorethical approaches to comparative research and the study of social inequalities in a comparative perspective
- Examples of empirical studies that investigate social inequalities in a comparative perspective
2. Aggregate Data:
- International policy reports and data sources
- Aggregate data sources: OECD, Eurostat, World Bank
3. Exploring Correlations with Aggregate Data
- Hands-on analysis with country-level data
- Descriptive statistics and indices measuring social inequalities
- Data visualization techniques in comparative research
4. From Aggregate (back) to Individual Data
- Limitations of aggregate data: Ecological fallacy, lack of granularity and contextual specificity
- Introduction to individual-level data
5. Risk of ignoring the structure of correlations within groups:
- Overview of Methodologies for Clustered Data
- Practical applications: Comparing individuals within and between countries
Prerequisites for admission
Given its introductory nature, the teaching does not require prerequisites related to content. However, a basic knowledge of quantitative social research methods is recommended. Basic notions of STATA or R are also welcome.
Teaching methods
This lab focuses on analyzing social inequalities through a comparative perspective. Students will examine aggregate data (across countries), learn how these data are constructed, and apply the most common methods for analyzing both aggregate and individual-level data in a comparative perspective. Each class will have a practical goal, and students will be asked to actively engage with data and analysis on a weekly basis.
Teaching Resources
Slides and materials for in-class exercises provided by the lecturer.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final project will be a group research paper based on the data and methods discussed in class.
Professor(s)