37154 - Statistical Models for the Assessment

Academic Year 2021/2022

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to analyze multivariate data with advanced statistical methods and using statistical software.

Course contents

Part I (Gardini)

  • Recalls to Linear Algebra and R software
  • Recalls to the Multiple Linear Regression Model
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Introduction to Factor Model
  • Cluster Analysis

These topics will initially be addressed on a theoretical level. Case studies in R.

Part II (Lubisco)

  • The steps of a statistical survey.
  • Basics of test development and validation.

Parts III (Sansivieri)

  • Confirmatory Factor Analysis
  • Structural Equation Models (LISREL approach)

Computer lab activies on the analysis of case studies using specific software (Excel, R, SPSS).

Readings/Bibliography

Compulsory reading

Teacher's lecture notes available on the platform "Insegnamenti online - Supporto online alla didattica" https://iol.unibo.it/

Suggested textbooks

  • S. Mignani, A. Montanari (1997). Appunti di analisi statistica multivariata, Esculapio, Bologna, Second edition (chapters 1-2 linear regression model, chapter 3 principal component analysis, chapter 4 factor analysis)
  • D. Piccolo, Statistica per le decisioni, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2010, PARTE IV on regression model
  • D. J. Bartholomew et al. (2002). The analysis and interpretation of multivariate data for social scientists, Chapman & Hall (chapters 5-6-7 principal component analysis, factor analysis).

Teaching methods

Frontal and/or on line lessons according to sanitary provisions.

Assessment methods

Part I:

The oral exam relies on the comment of a case study autonomously carried out by the students. A brief report on real data needs to be arranged: it can be done in groups composed by 3 students at most. The report must be sent before the oral exam, that will take place individually to assess the comprehension of the statistical methods used in the analysis.

Part II and III:

Oral exam to assess the knowledge of the statistical methods both from a methodological and from a practical point of view. The oral exam deals with both the statistical theory and the interpretation of outputs produced with the software Excel, R and SPSS.

It is possible to give an intermediate oral exam on the contents of module I in the week devoted to intermediate exams. If the grade is sufficient (at least 18/30), it will be possible to complete the exam on the contents of remaining arguments . The final grade is given by the arithmetic mean of the grade in the module I and the grade in the II module. If the grade is not sufficient, it will be necessary to give the total oral exam.

According to sanitary provisions, the assessment methods may vary.

Point system:
<18 not sufficient
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 e lode excellent

Teaching tools

Slides and lab material available on line.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Lubisco

See the website of Aldo Gardini

See the website of Valentina Sansivieri