91212 - METODO E TECNICHE DELL'ANALISI DEI DATI

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on statistical data analysis techniques. Upon completion of the course - which presupposes the acquisition of prior knowledge in the field of social and political research methodology - students will have: knowledge of the main basic techniques for the bivariate descriptive analysis of information collected in a data matrix; an understanding of the fundamental elements of statistical inference; mastery of the basic principles for multivariate statistical analysis and for interpreting the results of the corresponding models; an ability to navigate among the main sampling techniques; the ability to critically evaluate data analyses conducted by other researchers; the ability to identify and utilize sources of statistical data.

Course contents

This course provides a comprehensive overview of statistical analysis techniques and equips students with the skills to interpret, evaluate, and independently apply statistical information. The course adopts an inverted classroom approach, combining lectures with hands-on exercises.

The course is divided into two sections of different durations:

• Lectures (16 hours): This section introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of statistics;

• Practical Exercises (12 hours): This section focuses on applying and deepening the acquired knowledge. Students will be divided into two groups for practical exercises.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Read and comprehend articles in specialized journals and publications containing results of bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses;

• Evaluate statistical summaries and elaborations of census or sample data;

• Independently apply selected statistical analysis techniques to describe political and social phenomena;

• Understand the fundamentals of inferential statistics.

The course will focus on the following topics:

• Bivariate and Multivariate Analysis Techniques: Diverse statistical analysis techniques for examining relationships between two or more variables will be introduced and explored in depth;

• Statistical Software for Data Analysis: Students will gain proficiency in using statistical software, with a particular focus on Stata, for data analysis and visualization;

• Fundamentals of Inferential Statistics: The course will provide students with a foundation in the principles of inferential statistics, with particular emphasis on hypothesis estimation and testing.

Students are strongly encouraged to have a solid foundation in:

• Sociological/Political Research Methodology

• Basic Statistics

In case of problems in these areas, students are advised to take the course on Social and Political Research Methodology during the first term.

The detailed course schedule, including the breakdown of lectures and exercises, will be published before the start of the course.

Readings/Bibliography

Foreign students are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to discuss about the programme.

Teaching methods

The course will adopt a teaching approach that combines lectures with hands-on exercises. Lectures will introduce the fundamental theoretical and methodological concepts, while practical exercises will allow students to apply the acquired knowledge and develop their statistical analysis skills. Exercises will be conducted in the classroom (students are required to bring their laptops), using statistical software (Stata) and working on real-world case studies.

Exercise materials will be made available on the University Virtuale Platform.

Information on Stata Software Download and Installation (Free for Unibo Students): https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/vivere-luniversita-e-la-citta/agevolazioni-per-computer-tablet-e-software/stata-se-licenza-campus.

 

Assessment methods

The assessment of attending students will be based on:

• Written exam at the end of the first part of the course: The exam will consist of a written test with multiple-choice questions covering the theoretical and methodological content of the course (50% of the total grade);

• Take-home group project: At the end of the second part, students will be divided into groups of no more than three people and will be required to complete a take-home practical exercise on the course topics, which will then be submitted to the instructor (50% of the total grade).

For non-attending students, the exam will consist of an oral examination covering the theoretical and methodological content of the course, as well as students' ability to apply the acquired knowledge to case studies.

Further details on the assessment methods will be provided at the beginning of the lessons.

The grade can only be withheld once.

Teaching tools

Slides, exercises, datasets, and coding materials are available on the University Virtuale Platform.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Pinto