Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences I
The objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to regression analysis and its uses and limitations. The focus of the course is on linear regression analysis of continuous dependent variables. The course covers both bivariate regression and multivariate regression analysis
Within these topics, we discuss confounding and indirect effects, interaction effects, variable transformations, outliers, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. Specific attention will be paid to considerations of which research questions the different methods can answer as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results, including their limitations. The course requires prior knowledge on quantitative data analysis. The course is also suitable for those who want to refresh their regression analysis skills. The course prepares for advanced courses in quantitative research methods, such as Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences 2, SO7033.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
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Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Register to the course and activate your University account.
Before you can start the course you need to register. You can do it online at Ladok for students between 12-25 August. Its' important that you register othervise you'll lose your place.
If you are having problem with the registration please contact master@sociology.su.se
Please note! As of 1 January 2024 and if you have a Swedish personal identity number, you must temporarily log in to Ladok for students in a different way than you normally do. Instead of using your regular university account, you must use eduID or your account on antagning.se.
Activate your University account
If new at Stockholm University you need to activate your university account. Your university account gives you access to IT services. Once you have activated your account you will be able to order your university card and get access to the library resources, printing and scanning. You will also be assigned an email address. To ensure that you do not miss any important information from the university or your department, you are advised to use that specific email address via Office 365 for students. Alternatively, you can register an active forwarding address, that will then be linked to your university account. More information can be found here.
Activate your University account here
Students on waiting list
If we have places left students on waiting list will be contacted by email closer to the start of the course.
Athena -the learning platform
Athena is the learning platform at Stockholm University. At Athena you’ll have access to all information about the course such as schedule, schedule changes, course material and more. Before you can log in to Athena you need to activate your university account and register to your course.
More information about Athena here.
Please note that to get notification about important information from the course you need to change the settings and activate notification to your email-address. You can do that in Settings that you find under your name in the right top corner.
Athena has a mobile app that you can use. The name of that app is itslearning. The app is free of charge and you can download it to iPhones and Android-mobiles. To get notification about important information from the course you need to change the settings to allow the app to send you notification.
More information
Please see the webpage of the Department of sociology or contact master@sociology.su.se
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
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For new international students
Within these topics, we discuss confounding and indirect effects, interaction effects, variable transformations, outliers, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. Specific attention will be paid to considerations of which research questions the different methods can answer as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results, including their limitations. The course requires prior knowledge on quantitative data analysis. The course is also suitable for those who want to refresh their regression analysis skills. The course prepares for advanced courses in quantitative research methods, such as Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences 2, SO7033.
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Course structure
The course focuses primarily on Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression with continuous dependent variables, but also covers the analysis of binary dependent variables (including logistic regression). These methods will be approached through their two main purposes, namely the estimation of the effects of variables and the explanation of variance. The course starts with a discussion of binary regression analysis, followed by multiple regression, confounding, and indirect effects. Other topics covered include dummy variables and variable transformations, interactions, and outliers, heteroscedasctity, and multicollinearity.
Course PM - all you need to know
Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences I autumn 2023 (253 Kb)
Teaching format
The course is offered at half-time over 10 weeks. Course participants and instructors meet approximately twice a week for lectures, computer-based exercises and/or seminars using Stata. Course participants submit exercises and comment on peers’ exercises in Athena and/or during seminars
Assessment
The examination consists of active participation, individual assignments, and a take-home exam.
Examiner
Docent/Lecturer: Sven Drefahl
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Schedule
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. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Directors of studies, all levels
Questions about all master's courses/programmes at the Department of Sociology: master@sociology.su.se
