Introductory description

A vast amount of political research is quantitative, and even if you decide never to conduct quantitative analysis yourself, you will find an introductory level of knowledge in quantitative methods useful to critically engage with your discipline as a whole. Skills in data analysis are also crucial for finding employment in graduate level jobs; the Institute of Student Employers found in its 2018 report that "data analysis" is amongst the 5 most important skills employers wish graduate students to have. This module will deliver an introduction to quantitative political analysis. It is based on Reiche's typology of Quantitative Methods, and explores each of its tasks (conceptualisation and measurement, numerical data, data analysis and interpretation) at an introductory level. The module uses the software R.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Political Analysis

I. CONCEPTUALISATION AND MEASUREMENT

1. Conceptualisation and Measurement

2. Conceptualisation and Measurement in the Real World

II. NUMERICAL DATA

1. Exploration of Single Variables

2. Levels of Measurement and Distributions

3. (Reading Week)

4. Sampling Methods

III. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

1. Sampling Distributions and z-Scores

2. Confidence Intervals and the t-Distribution

3. Sample Size and Statistical Inference

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply the tasks of Quantitative Methods to substantive politics research problems
• Understand the basic principles of conceptualisation and measurement in political science
• Analyse core descriptive statistics, by hand and through the software R
• Understand the basic principles of sampling
• Understand the principles of statistical inference

Indicative reading list

• Acock, Alan C. 2014. A Gentle Introduction to Stata, Fourth Edition, Stata Press

• Agresti, A. and B. Finlay. 2008. Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences, 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

• Bryman, A. 2008. Social Research Methods, 4th ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press

• Coolidge, Frederick L. 2012. Statistics: A Gentle Introduction. Sage

• Diamond, Ian and Jefferies, Julie. 2000. Beginning Statistics: An Introduction for Social Scientists. Sage

• Frankfort-Nachmias, Chava. 2008. Research methods in the social sciences, 7th edition, New York: Worth Publishers.

• Gill, Jeff. 2006. Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

• Hamilton, Lawrence. 2008. Statistics with Stata - International Edition. Stata Press

• Lomax, Richard G. and Debbie L. Hahs-Vaughn. 2012. An Introduction to Statistical Concepts, 3rd edition. Routledge

• Reiche, Florian (forthcoming) Introduction to Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Research element

Mini Research Project during seminars

International

Data from around the world is used.

Subject specific skills

• Quantitative Research Design
• Basic proficiency in a statistical programme
• Process of Conceptualisation and Measurement and its relevance in political science research
• Calculation of descriptive statistics

Transferable skills

• Written communication skills
• Oral communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Skills in the use of information technology
• Skills of interpretation and the critical analysis of primary and secondary sources
• The ability to digest, retain and apply complex information and ideas
• Ability to conduct research and reference your work appropriately
• Time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• The ability to reflect critically on the extent and limitations of how and what you have learned, discovered and understood