Prospectus

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Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

Course
2023-2024

Admission requirements

Required course(s):

  • Introduction to Statistics

  • Mathematical Reasoning or Mathematial Modeling

  • Quantitative Research Methods

Recommended course(s):

  • Foundations of Research Design

Description

The course introduces students to selected topics in advanced quantitative research with application in economics, political science, environmental science and other. The aim of the course is to deepen the students’ understanding of how to connect research question to logical argument, hypotheses and to appropriate statistical models. It also focuses on developing the students’ nuanced ability to assess the extent of the limitations of these more advanced models and statistical techniques towards answering their research question. The course builds on students’ understanding of basic inferential theory and linear regression and familiarizes them with new statistical techniques, including time series, or choice models. Students will be asked to develop a project of their choosing in their area of interest that incorporates some of these statistical techniques.

Course Objectives

  • Deepening of the understanding of the connection between logical argument, testable hypotheses, statistical models, and causal inference.

  • Understand how these techniques can be best applied in the context of substantive research topics and to learn to assess their limitations.

  • Further develop statistical programming skills in R package, including graphical display of data and more complex data-management.

  • Present quantitative findings.

Timetable

Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2023-2024 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.

Mode of instruction

Video lecture, in-class seminar workshop and group work.

Assessment Method

  • Class Participation, 15%, Ongoing Weeks 1-7

  • Seminar Assignments, 30% (10% each), Ongoing Weeks 1-7

  • Progress Report, 15%, Weeks 2

  • Final Research Project, 25%, Week 8

  • Exam, 15%, Week 8

Reading list

Required Textbook:

  • Dougherty, Christopher. 2007. Introduction to Econometrics – Fourth Edition. Cambridge University Press

Registration

Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact

Dr. Lucie Zicha, l.zicha@luc.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

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