| Unit name | Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy Research |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL30082 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Phil Sayer |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
Principles of Quantitative Social Science (SOCI20069) Conducting a Research Project Using Secondary Data (POLI20001) |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
We live in an increasingly digitalised and interconnected world that is characterised by fast access to data from across the globe. An ability to use dedicated analytical software to engage with the different forms this data can take is valuable not only in student dissertations and academic social research, but across many employment sectors, including civil service, charity sector, NGOs, teaching, healthcare, and private sector organisations.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with foundational skills required to build confidence in identifying and implementing appropriate forms of analysis across a variety of quantitative data types. Learning is applied through analysis of regional, national and international data sets with relevance to key issues in social policy, criminology and childhood studies. Previous experience of quantitative data analysis is not expected and the unit is designed to be accessible, taking a primarily conceptual rather than mathematical approach to the topics covered. Examples will focus on key policy issues, but the unit will provide a versatile foundation in quantitative data analysis applicable to a wide range of disciplines and contexts.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Datasets introduced in the unit will have direct relevance to all Policy Studies programmes of study. For example, we will use British Social Attitudes Survey and World Values Survey data to explore relationships between variables such as age, nationality, socio-economic status, perceptions of social benefits, attitudes towards criminal sentencing and attitudes towards children with a disability.
The unit is relevant for all Policy Studies students, but may be of particular interest if you are considering a quantitative element for your dissertation, interested in graduate jobs in which quantitative skills are valued, or simply keen to develop a new skill.
An overview of content 
This unit focuses on developing practical skills in data analysis using real data from sources with broad relevance to policy research in an international context. It will support students to: Develop an awareness of secondary data sources of a variety of types and how to find them; Assess a new data set to determine the level of measurement of variables and appropriate forms of analysis; Devise research questions that can be explored using quantitative data; use specialised software to conduct data analysis; understand and implement descriptive and inferential statistics; gain familiarity with the ‘replication crisis’ and key debates in the appropriate use and misuse of quantitative data. The unit is devised developmentally, building knowledge cumulatively and not assuming previous experience of quantitative data analysis.
How will students personally be different as a result of the unit 
Students will feel more confident when engaging with quantitative data and reading publications from quantitative research projects. They will develop the versatile skills required to assess a wide variety of data and determine appropriate forms of analysis. Concrete skills in data analysis using specialised statistics software will be acquired, along with an understanding of fundamental components of statistical theory required to understand and interpret the analysis. The unit is designed to develop widely transferable skills that are valuable in a range of careers frequently pursued by students in School for Policy Studies.
Learning Outcomes
Core contact hours will consist of 1 hour lecture and 2 hours computer lab workshop per week across 10 weeks. Learning will be problem-based and applied, focusing on building confidence in the application of concepts covered in the lecture to a variety of data relevant to domestic and international policy issues. This approach supports the key aims of the unit in equipping students with a broad and versatile foundation in data analysis that will be of practical use in dissertation projects and across a range of employment sectors.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare for summative tasks:
Weekly workshop exercises will begin with a guided component and then provide a section for independent problem-solving tasks. The workshop tutor will be available each week to answer questions and provide feedback on student progress.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark:
Data analysis report (2500 words) (100%) This assessment will cover all ILOs.
When assessment does not go to plan
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, unsuccessful students may be offered an opportunity for reassessment. This will comprise a task of the same format as the original assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOL30082).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
