ØAMET4000 Applied Statistical Methods Course description

The course builds on a course in social science research methods at bachelor's degree level and a foundation course in statistical methodology. Knowledge of spreadsheets (such as Excel) or database programs is an advantage. This course is a compulsory common course that students are recommended to take in the first semester of the programme. Through a series of exercises, students develop their skills in practical use of quantitative data. 

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Knowledge

The student

• in-depth knowledge of relevant analysis methods
• insight into the use of quantitative data in academic work and professional life
• an understanding of how models are used in social sciences, and is capable of relating research questions, context and data to the choice of method

Skills

The student is capable of

• analysing quantitative data to answer research questions
• planning own quantitative research and assess the results of others

The research process:

• Use of models
• Forms of validity, causality
• Reporting and presentation

About quantitative data:

• Different data sources: experiment, survey, naturally occurring data and register data
• Multi-item measures

Varied forms of teaching will be used, and the course will combine lectures, guest lectures, class discussions and practical computer exercises.

Five assignments for submission to be prepared by groups of up to five students. The total scope of the submissions shall not exceed 20 pages. All the assignments must be approved before a student can sit the exam in the course. If the assignments are not approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit a new or improved version. The lecturer will inform students about the deadlines for submission.

A supervised written four-hour exam is held at the end of the semester.

Students who become ill or fail an exam are entitled to register for a resit/rescheduled exam in the course in accordance with the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

Calculator (see separate regulations).

 A grade scale with grades from A to E for pass and F for fail is used. 

An external examiner will grade the exam papers together with an internal examiner.