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Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences I

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to regression analysis and its uses and limitations in the social sciences, with a primary focus on linear regression of continuous dependent variables.

It covers both bivariate and multivariate regression, examining confounding factors, indirect effects, interaction effects, variable transformations, outliers, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. Special emphasis is placed on developing the ability to independently perform ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, present and interpret results, and understand the method’s areas of application.

Teaching methods feature integrated lecture–lab sessions, supplemented by individual assignments, peer-review tasks, group workshops, and both a classroom and take-home exam. The course presumes familiarity with basic statistical concepts, such as descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. Successful completion provides a strong foundation for further quantitative study, including Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences II (SO7033) and Event-History Analysis: Regression for Longitudinal Event Data (SO7133).

The course focuses primarily on the ordinary least squares method (Ordinary Least Squares, or OLS), where continuous dependent variables are analyzed. Students learn data management and skills that are specific to performing linear regression analysis in the statistical software package Stata. The methods will be illuminated through their two main areas of application: estimating effects of variables and explaining variation. The course begins with a discussion of bivariate regression (analysis of the relationship between two variables) and continues with multiple regression, discussions of spurious relationships and indirect effects. During the course, variable transformations, categorical variables and interaction variables are also discussed, as well as problems with extreme values, heteroscedasticity and multicollinearity.


Teaching Format

The course is offered at half-time over 10 weeks. The teaching takes place in the form of lectures and data exercises where statistical software is used.

Assessment

The examination consists of individual assignments, a task to be reviewed through peer-review, a task to be assessed during a group workshop (formative assessment), a classroom examination, and a take-home examination.

Examiner

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.







Questions about master's studies

For questions about the master’s programmes in Demography and Sociology or our master’s courses, such as admissions, registrations, study breaks and transfer of credits, you are welcome to contact the master's assistant directors.

Anna Borén, Anna Carin Haag

master@sociology.su.se

Study counsellor

For guidance on study techniques, academic planning, grade transfers, certificates, and more.

If you run into problems with your studies, you are welcome to contact the counsellor, who works under a duty of confidentiality.

You can also book a meeting with the counsellor if you need long-term study and career planning.

Maria Lind

studievagledare@sociology.su.se
08163190