The Private Tutorial Course on “Introduction to Social Science Statistics” is a specialized program that I have developed and taught at the University of Geneva. This comprehensive course provides students with a thorough understanding of fundamental theory and concepts in social research and statistical methods.
Throughout the course, students are introduced to the basic concepts of social research and methods, enabling them to grasp the principles and techniques employed in social scientific inquiry. They learn about the various levels and scales of measurement used to categorize and analyze data, as well as the importance of accurate measurement in social science research.
The course covers univariate descriptive statistics, which involve summarizing and analyzing data from a single variable. Students gain proficiency in techniques for organizing and presenting data, such as measures of central tendency and dispersion.
Bivariate data analysis is explored, allowing students to understand the relationships between two variables and examine their associations using statistical measures and visualizations. Probability and estimation theory are also covered, providing students with the necessary foundation to make probabilistic inferences and estimate population parameters based on sample data.
Inferential statistics and test theories form a crucial part of the course, equipping students with the skills to draw conclusions about populations based on sample data and test hypotheses. Bivariate linear regression analysis is introduced, allowing students to explore the relationship between two variables and develop predictive models.
The course further delves into multiple linear regression analysis, enabling students to examine the relationships between multiple independent variables and a dependent variable. Finally, students gain insights into generalized linear models, specifically focusing on logit and probit models, which are widely used in social science research for analyzing categorical outcomes.
By the end of this Private Tutorial Course, students have developed a solid understanding of social science statistics and acquired practical skills in data analysis, interpretation, and modeling. This course serves as a valuable foundation for those interested in conducting rigorous research and applying statistical techniques in the social sciences.
Table of Contents
- Basic concepts of social research and methods
- Levels and scales of measurement
- Univariate descriptive statistics
- Bivariate data analysis
- Probability and estimation theory
- Inferential statistics and test theories
- Bivariate linear regression analysis
- Multiple linear regression analysis
- Generalized linear models (logit / probit)