Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM086: Quantitative Data Analysis

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

By the end of a course of practical demonstrations, associated lectures, and practical assignments, this module aims to have significantly developed your skills in the analysis and presentation of quantitative data appropriate to a range of research problems. There will be an emphasis placed upon applying the techniques learned and the practical experience of analysing quantitative data sets. You will learn how to construct data sets from individual and aggregate level data. You will then learn how to analyse the data using the appropriate statistical tools. You will learn how to apply techniques in parametric and non-parametric inferential statistics, from simple t- tests for the comparison of means to more complex multivariate statistics, including linear multiple regression. You will also learn techniques for the visual display of data. There will be a brief introduction to analysis of categorical (eg binary) data, time series, and panel data to provide a route map for further independent study. You will focus on the analysis of different types of data including survey data and various sources of official data, and their associated problems for analysis

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. recognize and evaluate in writing the diversity of specialized techniques and approaches involved in analysing research information, both quantitative and qualitative; 2. critically evaluate in writing the issues involved in application of research design in the context of the social sciences; 3. demonstrate acquired skills, confidence, and competence in data analysis; 4. demonstrate acquired skills. confidence and competence in a computer package for statistical analysis [e.g. SPSS] 5. show ability to present analysed data in a coherent and effective manner.
Discipline-Specific Skills	6. demonstrate understanding in the use of advanced tools and techniques of quantitative research; 7. construct well thought out and rigorous data analysis, tables and reports for both written and oral presentation. 8. examine relationships between complex theoretical concepts and real world empirical data.
Personal and Key Skills	9. develop an advanced ability to study independently 10. deliver detailed and nuanced presentations to your peers, and communicate effectively in speech and writing 11. use IT for the retrieval and the presentation of information

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Introduction: why use quantitative data and

Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, graphical presentation

Collecting data, sampling, data management and data integrity

Describing data, graphical presentation of data and dealing with missing data

Inferential statistics and research design

Comparing means

Testing relationships between variables

Multivariate statistics including ordinary least squares regression

Categorical data analysis including logit and probit models

Advanced techniques, including panel data, and paths for future study

Student Presentations

The module will be taught through 11 weekly two-hour sessions (including introductory session). There will be a mix of formal lectures led by the co-ordinator, practical experience, student presentations and student discussion. The emphasis is on active seminar participation, practical experience and the development of techniques and tools with regard to assessed work. The techniques will be explored through appropriate practical work and independent study.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	278	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	11 x 2 hour sessions
Guided independent study	200	Completion of assessment tasks
Guided independent study	78	Preparation for seminars

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).