Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM086: Quantitative Data Analysis

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Introduction: why use quantitative data and

Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, graphical presentation

Collecting data, sampling, data management and data integrity

Describing data, graphical presentation of data and dealing with missing data

Inferential statistics and research design

Comparing means

Testing relationships between variables

Multivariate statistics including ordinary least squares regression

Categorical data analysis including logit and probit models

Advanced techniques, including panel data, and paths for future study

Student Presentations

The module will be taught through 11 weekly two-hour sessions (including introductory session). There will be a mix of formal lectures led by the co-ordinator, practical experience, student presentations and student discussion. The emphasis is on active seminar participation, practical experience and the development of techniques and tools with regard to assessed work. The techniques will be explored through appropriate practical work and independent study.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	278	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	11 x 2 hour sessions
Guided independent study	200	Completion of assessment tasks
Guided independent study	78	Preparation for seminars

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).