Introduction to Quantative Data Analysis

elective courses

(in Polish) Oczekiwany poziom znajomości statystyki oraz metodologii badań odpowiadający co najmniej ukończonym kursom "Niezbędnik metodologiczny" (lub kursom o co najmniej podobnym zakresie ukończonym w czasie studiów licencjackich).

Classroom

Classes devoted to recalling the basics knowledge of statistics which is necessary to conduct a simple analysis of survey data. It will also be a reminder of the basics of SPSS support and discussion of the basic, most commonly used data analysis techniques and their limitations (building simple indicators, crosstabulations, linear and logistic regression, etc.).

Practical problems related to the use of data from quantitative social surveys will also be discussed: eg missing data issues, "hard to say" answers and other answers indicating the avoidance of informing researchers about their views by respondents.

Classes will be devoted to mastering simple quantitative data analysis techniques along with a reminder of statistical concepts necessary for the conscious use and interpretation of the results of the applied analytical techniques. There will also create the opportunity to recall the fundamentals of statistical inference necessary to speak on the statistical significance of the differences observed between the studied groups (eg. age groups, countries etc.)

The course can be treated as an introduction to learning more difficult issues related to data analysis (such as multidimensional scaling). The assumption of these classes is that participants know the basics of statistics, but do not have experience in the practical application of this knowledge to data analysis. The following analytical techniques will be thoroughly discussed:

The level of measurement and the range of applicability of often used statistical parameters and analytical techniques;

Formulating research questions and their operationalization based on existing data sets;

Study of statistical dependencies: cross-table analysis, correlation and regression study (linear and logistic for many variables);

Factor analysis (if time permits)

Ways to deal with missing data and interpretation of "hard-to-say" or “don’t know” types of answers.

The basic set of data that will be used in the exercises will be the European Values ​​Study from 2017.

Finall assessment will be based on preparation of the individual analysis of the selected issue, which is possible to be studied on the basis of data from the European Values ​​Study. Topics of these analyses will be selected together with the teacher.

Lissowski G., Haman J, Jasiński M, Podstawy statystyki dla socjologów, Wyd. Naukowe Scholar, Warszawa 2008 (lub późniejsze)

Halman L., Luijkx R., van Zundert M. 2005. Atlas of European Values. Brill, Tilburg University, Tilburg.

Inglehart R., Welzel C. 2004. Modernization, Cultural Change and Democracy: The Human Development Sequence. Cambridge University Press, New York.

Kohn, M. 1989. Cross National Research in Sociology

Sasaki M (ed.). 2009. New Frontiers in Comparative Sociology

K_W07 Has in-depth knowledge of selected methods and techniques of social research, their limitations, specificity and areas of application

K_W08 Is aware of the importance of a reflective and critical approach to the results of social research, analyses and research procedures

K_W09 Knows how to plan and carry out complex qualitative and quantitative empirical research; is aware of the consequences of methodological choices

K_U04 Can use theoretical categories and research methods in the description and analysis of social and cultural changes in modern societies, as well as their consequences

K_U05Can plan and carry out a social study using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques of social research

K_U06 Can use a selected computer program for data analysis, including its advanced functions

K_U10 Can prepare a presentation of a selected problem or study in Polish and in a foreign language

K_K03 Can gather, find, synthesize and critically assess information about social sciences

K_K04 Can argue a thesis using scientific evidence

K_K10 Takes responsibility for planned and performed tasks

The grade will be issued on the basis of participation in classes and written report. The report will be evaluated according to the following criteria: a) formulation of the research problem and its operationalization; b) selection of analytical techniques and correctness of their implementation; c) correctness of the interpretation of the results of the analyses carried out; d) clarity of the structure, in particular conclusions from the conducted study.