Basic Quantitative Analysis (BQA)
Building upon the univariate techniques introduced in the Foundations in Applied Statistics (FiAS) module, these sessions aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of statistical methods designed to test associations between two variables (bivariate statistics). Students will learn about the assumptions underlying each test, and will receive practical instruction on how to generate and interpret bivariate results using Stata. It introduces students to four of the most commonly used statistical tests in the social sciences: correlation, chi-square tests, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The module is divided between pre-recorded mini-lectures, in which you'll learn the relevant theory, and hands-on live practical sessions in which you will learn how to apply these techniques to analyse real data using the statistical package, Stata.
You will learn the following techniques:
- Cross-tabulations
- Scatterplots
- Covariance and correlation
- Nonparametric methods
- Two-sample t-tests
- ANOVA
As well as viewing the pre-recorded mini lectures via Moodle and attending the live lab sessions, students are expected to do a few hours of independent study each week.
Prerequisites
Students wishing to take this modules should have:
either successfully completed Foundations in Applied Statistics, including the end-of-module test
or have had previous training in introductory level statistics (verified by the Skill Check)
Students will also need a basic knowledge of Stata. If you have not taken FiAS, and have not learned Stata elsewhere, there are two options:
- Download the materials from "90-minute Stata" and work through them yourself;
- Email the SSRMP Administrator to ask whether a space is available for the first of the FiAS lab sessions, where Stata is introduced.
Module Structure
This module is very popular, so we repeat it several times (as six "series"). Each series covers exactly the same material, and is at the same level.
Each series runs over two sessions.
A pre-recorded series of mini-lectures will be available to students before the module starts, on the module's Moodle page. Please note - you will need to watch each lecture before the corresponding afternoon lab session.
The live two-hour lab sessions take place in the afternoon a week apart, in Michaelmas Term, and over one week in Lent Term.
Michaelmas Term
- BQA 1: 2-4pm on Mons 6 (Session 1) and 13 November 2023 (Session 2)
- BQA 2: 4-6pm on Mons 6 (Session 1) and 13 November 2023 (Session 2)
- BQA 3: 2-4pm on Thus 9 (Session 1) and 16 November 2023 (Session 2)
- BQA 4: 4-6pm on Thus 9 (Session 1) and 16 November 2023 (Session 2)
Lent Term
A pre-recorded series of mini-lectures (2 hours per session) will be available for all Lent Term students to watch, before the corresponding live afternoon lab sessions which take place on the times and dates, below:
- BQA 5: 2-4pm on Mon 29 (Session 1) and Wed 31 January 2024 (Session 2)
- BQA 6: 4-6pm on Mon 29 (Session 1) and Wed 31 January 2024 (Session 2)
Software
The module uses the statistical package Stata; this is free to download. Instructions will be provided.
Assessment
An end-of-module assessment (open-book online test). Weekly online quizzes are available to help you prepare.
Textbooks/Reading List
There is no set text for this module; although recommended readings and all necessary information on the module's Moodle page which will go live on Friday 30th October.
Bookings
Bookings for this module (and all other Basic Statistics Stream modules) should be requested via our dedicated BSS booking page which usually goes live each year, at the start of Michaelmas Term.