Introduction to Quantitative Social Research

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
• Convenor and tutor: Dr Barry Maydom
• Assessment: two take-home assignments (20% each) and a 4000-word project (60%)

In this module we introduce you to quantitative research methods through hands-on experience using the Jamovi statistics software. You will learn research methods and be prepared to undertake further independent research in the social sciences. We will cover contemporary statistical methods and research techniques up to and including ordinary least squares and logit regression.

Indicative syllabus

• Descriptive statistics and understanding samples
• Normality of data and probability
• Tests of significance, t-tests and ANOVA
• Correlation
• Cross-tabulations and chi square tests
• Creating scales and recoding data
• Factor analysis
• Ordinary Least Squares regression 1: bivariate
• Ordinary Least Squares regression 2: multivariate, using dummy variables
• Ordinary Least Squares regression 3: non-linear relationships, diagnostics

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• perform quantitative analyses on a variety of data in an intelligent and thoughtful manner using the Jamovi computer package
• select and apply research techniques that are suitable for the analysis of your own research questions
• critically analyse and evaluate published quantitative research
• interpret and present the findings of quantitative analyses
• critically engage in debates around the applicability of quantitative and qualitative methods to different kinds of research questions
• employ skills of critical thinking, enquiry, synthesis, analysis and evaluation related to quantitative research on other modules studied at this level.