1 Dec 2015 Contents Introduction to the esrc dtc core Training Modules Page 3

Location:

R0.39 PC workarea

The module will focus on concepts, methods and skills which are central to quantitative social research. In addition to quantitative data analysis, approaches to data collection and concept operationalisation will be considered. Key aspects of descriptive and inferential statistics will be covered, stretching from comparisons of means and the examination of simple cross-tabulations to an initial discussion of multivariate approaches, focusing on regression. The illustration and application of the techniques will utilise statistical software, specifically SPSS for Windows (SPSS Statistics 22)^#, and will be based on 'hands-on' manipulation and analysis of data from existing, high profile quantitative sources.

#: Note that the University’s licence for SPSS is such that students can download a copy of SPSS Statistics 22 to their PC (or Mac) from the following IT Services web page:

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/software/list/spss/

• 
  an understanding of basic principles of quantitative research design,
  
• 
  competence in understanding and applying a range of statistical analysis techniques (both descriptive and inferential),
  
• 
  practical experience of the computer-based manipulation and analysis of quantitative data,
  
• 
  a critical awareness of the impact of data collection methods, concept operationalisation, and other contextual factors on the meaning of the findings generated by quantitative data analyses.
  

The module will be formally assessed via two short pieces of work, in each case involving the application, via SPSS, of a statistical technique or techniques to existing social survey data.

The first piece of work (1,000 words; 33% of module mark), to be submitted by the end of Term 2, will involve a bivariate analysis, and will draw upon material from the early-to-mid part of Term 2; the second piece of work (2,000 words; 67% of module mark), to be submitted by the beginning of Term 3, will involve a multivariate analysis, and will draw upon material from the latter part of Term 2.

Further details of the assessments will be uploaded to the module web pages. In addition to summative marks, feedback will be provided, with a view (where relevant) to appropriate revisions being made to problematic submissions.

The module tutor can be contacted as follows (and also via his pigeonhole in D0.25, on the Ground Floor of the Social Sciences Building [Annex]):

Richard Lampard (Room D0.11, Ground Floor, Social Sciences Building [Annex]);

Extn. 23130; e-mail: Richard.Lampard@warwick.ac.uk

The following is intended primarily as a background ‘resource’ for the module (and beyond). N.B. Extracts from items preceded by # are available online