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HS52004: AQM 1 - Experimental and quasi-experimental quantitative methods for social science

[Page last updated: 15 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (units for MRes programmes)
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: EXCB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EXCB 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: You will:
* acquire knowledge of and proficiency in the use of advanced quantitative techniques drawn from a range of social science disciplines;
* be able to produce, use and interpret the results from a variety of regression models (standard multi-variate, limited dependent variable, instrumental variables);
* be able to produce, use and interpret the results from quantile regression models (unconditional and conditional);
* be able to produce, use and interpret the results from difference in difference methods;
* be able to produce, use and interpret the results from various techniques applied to longitudinal data (fixed and random effects models);
* be able to produce, use and interpret the results from regression discontinuity designs;
* be able to critically appraise the use of randomized controlled trials in social science;
* understand when and why RCTs are necessary;
* be aware of appropriate statistical methods in the analysis of trial data, including adjustment for covariates and subgroup analyses.


Synopsis: Develop a range of technical skills that cover major experimental and quasi-experimental approaches to data analysis in the social sciences. This unit aims to introduce you to these approaches, and provide you with:
  • theoretical understanding of these techniques and practical experience in using them
  • the knowledge to critically appraise research findings using these techniques
  • an insight into how these methods can be applied in your own field of interest


Content: Topics to be covered include: advanced topics in regression (including limited dependent variable models: logit/probit/tobit), instrumental variables, quantile regression methods, difference-in-difference methods, regression discontinuity designs, longitudinal data model and analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Course availability:

HS52004 is a Must Pass Unit on the following courses:

Department of Education
  • THED-AFM72 : MRes Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences 
  • THED-AFM73 : MRes Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences 

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.