This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module aims to develop basic quantitative research skills (to the level of regression) to understand more advanced issues in making causal claims. Learning will be oriented towards:
• Understanding the limitations of simple (OLS) regression for making causal claims, with particular emphasis on endogeneity/confounding
and causal heterogeneity;
• Learning a small number of advanced methods for investigating causality through quantitative research (e.g. experiments, instrumental
variable approaches, matching methods, longitudinal analysis). For each method, students will first consider the rationale for the method
(its strengths and limitations), and then use the method in hands-on statistical analysis sessions using appropriate statistical software (e.g.
Stata);
• Towards the end of the module, students will learn how to decide the relative strengths and merits of each approach, and how to select the
appropriate research design given the particular features of real-world scenarios.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BSc Statistical Social Research
Any programme that includes 'with Quantitative Research'
Main assessment methods
Report (2500 words) (55%)
Group Presentation (35%)
Class Participation (10%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Cartwright, Nancy (2013), 'Knowing what we are talking about: why evidence doesn't always travel'. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, Volume 9, Number 1, pp. 97-112.
Christenfeld, N., R. Sloan, et al. (2004). "Risk factors, confounding, and the illusion of statistical control." Psychosomatic Medicine 66: 868-875.
Cook, T., & Campbell, D. (1979) Quasi-experimentation: Design and analysis issues for field settings. Rand McNally College Publications.
Hedström, P and Ylikoski, P, (2010). 'Causal Mechanisms in the Social Sciences'. Annual Review of Sociology, 36:49-67. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.soc.012809.102632
Jackson, M and Cox, DR (2013), 'The Principles of Experimental Design and Their Application in Sociology'. Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 39: 27-49.
Morgan, SL and Winship, C (2007), Counterfactuals and Causal Inference: Methods and Principles for Social Research.
Shadish, William R., Thomas D. Cook and Donald T. Campbell. 2002. Experimental and Quasi-experimental Designs for Generalized Causal Inference. Boston, MA: Houghton-Mifflin.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Critically understand the limitations of simple regression when making causal claims, with particular attention to endogeneity/confounding
and causal heterogeneity;
8.2 Critically understand the strengths and limitations of more advanced methods for investigating causality through quantitative research (e.g.
experiments, instrumental variable approaches, matching methods, longitudinal analysis);
8.3 Demonstrate a basic ability to themselves apply these more advanced methods for investigating causality, using appropriate statistical
software (e.g. Stata);
8.4 Demonstrate an ability to select the most appropriate design for investigating causality in real-world settings, given practical constraints;
8.5 Demonstrate an ability to critique causal claims made in public debates and in academic research;
8.6 Demonstrate an ability to present the rationale and results of more advanced statistical methods for investigating causality to non-technical
audiences.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate a basic ability to use advanced quantitative analytical skills for investigating causality in complex societal processes;
9.2 Understand the strengths and weaknesses of advanced quantitative methods of causal analysis, and apply sound judgement in real-world
scenarios;
9.3 Demonstrate proficiency in the use of one or various statistical software packages (e.g. Stata).
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