Data Analysis
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to guide the student towards the autonomy of data analysis in the social sciences, showing how quantitative social research techniques are able to answer research questions relating to the relationship between social phenomena. The different theoretical topics will also be addressed operationally, using real data and through the use of IT tools, both generic such as Microsoft Excel and specific to statistical analysis such as Stata.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to provide a good knowledge of classical data analysis techniques. At the end of the course, the student will be able to carry out an analysis of real data, starting from the choice of the data source and the choice of the most appropriate analysis techniques, up to an informed interpretation of the results obtained.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
1. Introduction to the quantitative analysis of social phenomena: data collection, definition of variables, data matrix, statistical sources.
2. Monovariate analysis.
3. Data transformation.
4. Bivariate analysis (cross tabulation, simple linear regression).
5. Multivariate analysis (cross tabulation, multiple linear regression, logistic regression).
6. Statistical inference and sampling notions.
2. Monovariate analysis.
3. Data transformation.
4. Bivariate analysis (cross tabulation, simple linear regression).
5. Multivariate analysis (cross tabulation, multiple linear regression, logistic regression).
6. Statistical inference and sampling notions.
Prerequisites for admission
General knowledge of social research methodology is required (formulation of research questions, formulation and testing of hypotheses, conception of the research design, etc.).
Knowledge of the basic notions of using a PC is required.
No prior knowledge of basic statistics is necessary.
Knowledge of the basic notions of using a PC is required.
No prior knowledge of basic statistics is necessary.
Teaching methods
The course involves alternating lectures and laboratory exercises to introduce the student to the independent use of the STATA statistical software.
Teaching Resources
Corbetta, P., Gasperoni, G., & Pisati, M. (2001) Statistica per la ricerca sociale. Bologna: il Mulino. https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815082664?forcedLocale=it&fbrefresh=CAN_BE_ANYTHING
Any scientific articles supplementing the topics covered provided by the teacher will be uploaded to the ARIEL page of the course.
The course will be held in Italian. Foreign students may choose to agree on an alternative text in English with the teacher, covering the same topics.
Any scientific articles supplementing the topics covered provided by the teacher will be uploaded to the ARIEL page of the course.
The course will be held in Italian. Foreign students may choose to agree on an alternative text in English with the teacher, covering the same topics.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam differs for attending and non-attending students.
ATTENDING students: Practical exam carried out entirely with the STATA statistical software, consisting of carrying out exercises having as their object the analysis of data, aimed at ascertaining the skills acquired and the autonomy of judgment in the interpretation of the results, as well as the knowledge of the fundamentals theories to support the analyzes carried out.
NON ATTENDING students:
Written exam with open and closed questions aimed at verifying knowledge and understanding of the contents of the exam program.
In addition to assessing knowledge of the program contents, you will be asked to interpret the results of statistical analyzes (already produced) to demonstrate full understanding of the topics beyond the theoretical level.
ATTENDING students: Practical exam carried out entirely with the STATA statistical software, consisting of carrying out exercises having as their object the analysis of data, aimed at ascertaining the skills acquired and the autonomy of judgment in the interpretation of the results, as well as the knowledge of the fundamentals theories to support the analyzes carried out.
NON ATTENDING students:
Written exam with open and closed questions aimed at verifying knowledge and understanding of the contents of the exam program.
In addition to assessing knowledge of the program contents, you will be asked to interpret the results of statistical analyzes (already produced) to demonstrate full understanding of the topics beyond the theoretical level.
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