- Assessing reliability and validity of empirical measurement in conventional (e.g., surveys) and new sources of social data (e.g., online process data)
- Learning different statistical techniques for scale, factor, regression and social network analysis
- Applying these techniques to social data from conventional and new sources to address substantial research questions
- Getting acquainted with different types of social data and learning to cope with statistical measurement and modelling issues
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The course focuses on the `Empirical research' , in the `Problems-Theory-Empirical research-Policy implications'-sequence that characterizes the various steps in analytical social science.
The course introduces some of the main methods of empirical measurement and statistical modelling that are used in quantitative sociological research. These are various methods to assess the validity and reliability of measurement, such as reliability analysis and factor analysis, as well as advanced methods of multiple regression analysis. These methods are used to address substantial research questions. For example: Do strong family ties inhibit trust? How does reputation affect online traders’ business success? How are network density and interethnic diversity related?
The first week will be a recap of multiple regression and measurement basics. The rest of the course is divided in two parts, each lasting four weeks. In the first part, students will study measurement and statistical modelling issues related to trust and reputation by means of survey (e.g., General Social Survey) and online process data (e.g., transaction data from peer-to-peer online markets). In the second part, students will study measurement and statistical modelling issues related to social networks by means of survey and online process data (e.g., Facebook profiles).
In the first three weeks of each part, there will be weekly assignments asking students to solve problems of measurement and statistical modelling that arise in the respective data sets. For example, students will be asked to replicate an analysis described in a research paper or extend the analysis addressing a novel research question. The assignments will also give students the opportunity to get acquainted with different kinds of social data. In the fourth week of each part, students write a research essay in which they formulate own research questions, conduct an explanatory analysis and explicate the social relevance of their results as well as the limitations of their analysis.
Students meet three times a week in lectures, tutorials and computer lab sessions. In the lectures, the methodological and statistical theories behind measurement and modelling issues in social data analysis are discussed. In the tutorials, the results of the assignments and research essays are discussed. In the computer lab sessions, students apply the research skills and statistical theory to real life examples and prepare their assignments and research essays.
This course aims to contribute to achieving the following learning outcomes of the Bachelor's in Sociology :
Issues/Theory:
1e Derive hypotheses from existing sociological theories which offer an answer to the questions formulated or devise new theories which can provide an answer.
1g Determine how strong a suggested solution/theory is in the light of logical consistency and/or empirical findings.
Research:
2b Test theories in an appropriate research scheme and select and apply suitable techniques for analysis and draw conclusions from this.
2c Make judgements about the strength of the empirical research carried out.
Academic skills:
4a Possess general professional and academic proficiency in both Dutch and English.
4b Reading texts: understanding and interpretation; differentiate between main and side issues.
4c Ability to report in writing at the level of a starting academic professional in such a way that a general audience can understand the importance of what is written.
4d Ability to present orally as well as debate, clearly formulate ideas and produce satisfactory reports.
4e Ability to work and plan work independently.
4f Ability to participate actively in group discussions, provide constructive criticism and cooperate in small groups.
4g Ability to look up and select relevant information in the library and on the internet, and to utilize ICT facilities.
Ethics:
5b Ability to apply this code of conduct in specific research situations.
Assumed knowledge
Basic statistics (descriptive and inference), basic regression analysis (simple and multiple), and basic skills of SPSS including working with syntax. Sound knowledge of English (spoken and written).
The course is designed for third year sociology students. The language of the instruction and presentations is English.
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