1. To introduce students to analytical techniques suitable for use with quantitative data, and enable them to use software to appropriately practice these techniques

2. To develop critical understanding of the value of, and difficulties posed by, quantitative analysis in the social sciences

3. To equip students with the skills necessary to understand and evaluate research reports which include quantitative data

4. To explain how quantitative techniques can be used not to just to describe the social world, but also to investigate patterns of change within this world, and potentially account for the causes of this change

(LO1) An understanding of different types of quantitative data, and appropriate collection and analytical techniques

(LO2) The ability to manipulate and analyse data using SPSS

(LO3) The ability to present data appropriately and clearly

(LO4) An understanding of the debates about whether quantitative data can be used to establish causal links between variables

(LO5) An appreciation of the value of different forms of quantitative data and knowledge of a range of secondary data sources

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - visual

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Report writing

(S7) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Communicating for audience

(S8) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S9) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S10) Information skills - Critical reading

(S11) Information skills - Information accessing:[Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources]

(S12) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

(S13) Skills in using technology - Information accessing

(S14) Numeracy/computational skills - Reason with numbers/mathematical concepts

(S15) Numeracy/computational skills - Problem solving

(S16) Numeracy/computational skills - Numerical methods

- Introduction to quantitative data
- Computer assisted data analysis, and introduction to secondary data sources
- Describing data, describing patterns – the basics
- Inferential statistics
- Understanding the idea of ‘regression'
- Multiple linear regression
- Logistic regression
- Understanding and presenting data
- Working with longitudinal data
- Longitudinal analysis techniques

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The module will be taught via a series of sessions in which the main themes of the course will be introduced via lectures.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Practical
Description: The practical techniques introduced within the lectures will be practiced using appropriate software. Students will be expected to prepare for these sessions, consolidate the skills they introduce, and to demonstrate the ability to study independently.
Attendance Recorded: Yes