| Unit name | Principles of Quantitative Social Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCI20069 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Whillans |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
Understanding how to use, present and analyse data, select the right statistical test, interpret the results correctly and to communicate findings honestly and effectively are essential tools in social science, policy research and in business and commerce. The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the principles of statistical enquiry, drawing on examples from social scientific research. It will also provide an introduction to the statistical software, STATA.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit forms part of the shared interdisciplinary pathway for students taking any of the '... with quantitative research methods' degree programmes in childhood studies, politics, social policy and sociology. On successful competition of this unit, students will have the analytical skills to conduct quantitative research.
An overview of content
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have acquired foundational technical knowledge of quantitative research methods and practical competence in statistical software, to successfully plan, execute, and interpret statistical analyses of social survey data. This knowledge and understanding will enable students to engage with and evaluate published quantitative research in the social sciences. It will equip students with the analytical skills required to conduct a quantitative dissertation.
More broadly, students will gain skills and confidence in the practical undertakings of managing data files, interrogating quantitative data, telling evidence-based ‘stories’, and communicating results – a highly valuable, transferable skillset sought out by employers.
Learning Outcomes
The unit will be taught through lectures and textbook readings to introduce technical knowledge, complemented with small group PC workshops where students gain hands-on, practical experience in applying analytical techniques using professional standard software. Lectures aim to (1) introduce and (2) demonstrate statistical concepts, followed by PC workshops where students engage in (3) guided and (4) independent practical experiences using real social survey data. The unit is highly structured with a sequential progression of topics and activities. Students are required to consistently engage with content across the unit as learning is cumulative.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
A mini portfolio (500 words).
Students will be given a dataset and a set of instructions and asked to produce a ‘mini portfolio’. Instructions will be clear and specific. Students will run descriptive statistics in STATA and use word processing software to build their portfolio (ILO1, ILO3). Students will receive verbal feedback.
As a portfolio method of assessment may be new to students, the aim of the formative assessment is to provide an opportunity to clarify expectations and gain valuable timely feedback that will support the completion of the summative assessment, an extended portfolio.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
An extended portfolio (2500 words), weighted at 100% assessing all ILOs.
Students will be given a quantitative dataset and a set of instructions and asked to produce an extended portfolio. Instructions will be clear and specific. Students will run all analyses in STATA (ILO3) and use word processing software to build their portfolio. In the portfolio, students will be required to present a range of descriptive (ILO1) and inferential statistics (ILO2), appropriately and fully interpret output, and present work according to professional standards of good practice (ILO4). The portfolio method is designed to demonstrate the full range of skills acquired across the unit.
When assessment does not go to plan
You will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. You will be provided with a different set of variables (to be specified by the unit director).
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCI20069).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
