| Unit name | Regression Analysis for the Social Sciences |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM0013 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Leckie |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Introduction to Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences (or similar) |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit aims to introduce masters’ students to the basic theory, application and interpretation of linear regression analysis methods for social science research. The unit will focus on methods for the analysis of continuous response (dependent) variables. Application of regression analysis methods will be conducted in the SPSS statistical software package. The use and value of secondary analyses of existing social science data sets will be promoted throughout the unit.
Topics covered include:
1. Simple and Multiple linear regression 2. Continuous explanatory variables 3. Categorical explanatory variables 4. Interactions between explanatory variables 5. Residual diagnostics 6. Hypotheses testing 7. Model predictions
By the end of the unit, students will gain a basic theoretical and applied understanding of regression analysis methods for social science research and a working knowledge of regression analysis methods available in SPSS. Students will be able to test appropriate research hypotheses by applying regression analysis to social science data. Students will understand the use and value of secondary analyses of existing social science data sets.
Lectures and SPSS practicals
Students will also be introduced to the LEMMA virtual learning environment developed by the Centre for Multilevel Modelling (CMM), which includes a module on Multiple Regression as well as more introductory and more advanced materials. The materials also include quizzes and practicals in the Stata, R and MLwiN software packages which will be used in advanced quantitative methods units offered by the South West Doctoral Training Centre (as part of the Advanced Quantitative Methods pathway, led by CMM).
100% Summative Assessment 2,000 word assignment (including regression analysis statistics)
Application and interpretation of regression analysis of secondary datasets using SPSS. The assessment will involve specifying appropriate regression models to address a series of research questions, and interpreting the results.
Main Course Text:
Module 3 of the LEMMA virtual learning environment (developed by the Centre for Multilevel Modelling: http://www.bris.ac.uk/cmm/learning/course.html)
Field, A. (2009) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (3rd Edition) London: Sage
Alternative Texts:
Bryman, A. and Cramer, D. (2009) Quantitative Data Analysis with SPSS 14, 15 and 16: A guide for Social Scientists. London: Routledge
Miles, J. and Shevlin, M. (2001) Applying Regression & Correlation: A Guide for Students and Researchers. London: Sage.
Wright, D.B. (1997) Understanding Statistics: An introduction for the social sciences. London: Sage
