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Intermediate Quantitative Methods (SPS-METKOS-QM-25)

SPS-METKOS-QM-25

Purpose

This seminar aims to refresh and extend participants' knowledge of basic quantitative methods commonly used in the political and social sciences. It is designed for researchers who have already completed introductory coursework in quantitative methods and are comfortable with linear regression and statistical software such as R or Stata.
The seminar is divided into two parts. The first covers statistical inference and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The second focuses on cases where OLS assumptions are violated and presents strategies for addressing such issues.
Topics include statistical inference and hypothesis testing, linear regression and its assumptions, model specification, nested models (including multilevel and panel regression), maximum likelihood estimation, binary outcomes, DAGs (Directed Acyclic Graphs), confounding and colliding, and an introduction to fixed and random effects.
The seminar consists of weekly lectures and lab sessions. While the structure is roughly weekly, the schedule is flexible to allow extended coverage of topics that require additional attention. Many assignments involve using statistical software, with the option to work in R, Stata, or other tools. Exercises frequently include data simulation, and the basics of simulation are introduced in the first lab.
The seminar is well suited for researchers with prior experience in quantitative methods and comfort with high school–level mathematics. It is recommended that those wishing to refresh their math skills attend Mathematics for Political and Social Scientists in September.
For those with little or no background in quantitative methods, or who wish to revisit the fundamentals, we recommend enrolling in Introduction to Quantitative Methods, which runs in parallel to this course. Researchers with a strong background may consider Statistics and Econometrics offered by the Economics Department. All first-year researchers will take an entry test during the September programme to assess their quantitative skills and help determine the most appropriate seminar. Intermediate Quantitative Methods is also open to those who have previously taken Introduction to Quantitative Methods. To receive credit for this seminar, participants must pass a final multiple-choice test.


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