Lab: Quantitative Methods for Empirical Research
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
Sessions outline (preliminary):
Session 1 - Course Introduction; The Scientific Method and Scientific Inference
Session 2 - The Basics of Statistical Research I & Introduction to Stata
Session 3 - The Basics of Statistical Research II; Common Data Sources & Preparing Your Data
Session 4 - Describing Reality using Statistics: Indicators & Descriptive Statistics
Session 5 - How to Read & Criticize Quantitative Empirical Research [reading TBC]
Session 6 - Good Research Questions and Hypothesis-Testing
Session 7 - Testing Relationships I: Bivariate Relationships
Session 8 - Testing Relationships II: Multivariate Relationships
Session 9 - Research in Practice I: Applying Methods to Your Research Question
Session 10 - Research in Practice II: Developing and Testing Your Hypotheses with Data
Session 1 - Course Introduction; The Scientific Method and Scientific Inference
Session 2 - The Basics of Statistical Research I & Introduction to Stata
Session 3 - The Basics of Statistical Research II; Common Data Sources & Preparing Your Data
Session 4 - Describing Reality using Statistics: Indicators & Descriptive Statistics
Session 5 - How to Read & Criticize Quantitative Empirical Research [reading TBC]
Session 6 - Good Research Questions and Hypothesis-Testing
Session 7 - Testing Relationships I: Bivariate Relationships
Session 8 - Testing Relationships II: Multivariate Relationships
Session 9 - Research in Practice I: Applying Methods to Your Research Question
Session 10 - Research in Practice II: Developing and Testing Your Hypotheses with Data
Prerequisites for admission
No specific preliminary knowledge is required. Prior to the start of the lab, students will be approached to better understand their background (if any) in quantitative methods, which will be used to adapt the pace of the course, and, if necessary, learning outcomes.
Teaching methods
The course sessions are set up through a combination of short interactive lectures, class discussions and assignments, and practical lab sessions. Students are expected to come to class prepared, having studied the assigned literature, and are encouraged to come with their questions to class. During the sessions we will keep in mind your potential final project: your own applied research, that could potentially form the basis of your master thesis. If is therefore helpful if students have a research idea in mind that they further develop over the course of the sessions. Students without a research topic will have opportunities to brainstorm during early sessions.
Students are expected to bring their laptop to class, with the Stata software installed. The university provides the license, see https://work.unimi.it/aree_protette/121946.htm.
Students are expected to bring their laptop to class, with the Stata software installed. The university provides the license, see https://work.unimi.it/aree_protette/121946.htm.
Teaching Resources
Selected chapters from:
- Agresti, A and Finlay, B (2014) Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences. Pearson
- Acock, A. (2014). A sweet introduction to Stata. Stata Press
- Firebaugh, G. (2008). Seven Rules for Social Research. Princeton University Press
- Kellstedt, P.M. and Whitten, G.D. (2013). The Fundamentals of Political Science Research. Cambridge University Press.
In the final detailed syllabus, the readings will be specified for each session.
The chapters from books not available in the library will be provided through MyAriel.
- Agresti, A and Finlay, B (2014) Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences. Pearson
- Acock, A. (2014). A sweet introduction to Stata. Stata Press
- Firebaugh, G. (2008). Seven Rules for Social Research. Princeton University Press
- Kellstedt, P.M. and Whitten, G.D. (2013). The Fundamentals of Political Science Research. Cambridge University Press.
In the final detailed syllabus, the readings will be specified for each session.
The chapters from books not available in the library will be provided through MyAriel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
This is a pass/fail course. Active class participation is mandatory. Students are allowed to miss up to two sessions with a valid reason, but there is a strict 80% minimum participation required to pass the course.
SPS/04 - POLITICAL SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 20 hours
Professor:
Van Ditmars Mathilde Maria
Professor(s)