82159 - Laboratory of Analysis and Presentation of Data

Learning outcomes

At the end of the seminar, the student has a basic knowledge of univariate and bivariate statistical analysis and develops the skills to use statistical software. In particular, the student will be able to: - set the collection of data through questionnaires; - Perform simple analyses on survey data using Excel; - present data in graphs and tables; - discuss the results of those analyses.

Course contents

The course is organized with a part of lectures taught online on MS TEAMS (4 hours) and another taught in presence (16 hours). The number of students allowed in class is determined on the basis of class capacity and by the health and safety provisions that deal with the pandemic emergency. In case more students want to attend classes in presence than permitted by the rules, a system of shifts will be organized so to allow students to participate. Regardless of the health-related conditions and the specific organization of the course, students will be able to follow the lessons of the entire course remotely on MS TEAMS.

To simplify the logistical organization of the course and to minimize the risks associated with sharing keyboard and mouse, students are requested to come to class with their personal computer.

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The course provides students with an introduction to the use of the simpler and more widespread data analysis software, Excel, and other tools for the graphical representation of results (for example Datawrapper), applied to typical problems of the social sciences. The learning of the procedures for carrying out the desired analyses cannot be separated from a learning of the basic methodological tools necessary on the one hand to the selection of the appropriate techniques to answer the research question, on the other hand the interpretation of the results obtained. Part of the lessons will therefore be dedicated to building these logical assumptions of the analysis. Without them, the software and statistical tools, however sophisticated, risk leading to unsatisfactory or totally misleading answers.

The course is aimed primarily at beginners and does not require preliminary knowledge. Students who are already familiar with the use of spreadsheets may find other labs more useful.

Readings/Bibliography

Piergiorgio Corbetta, La ricerca sociale: metodologia e tecniche. IV. L'analisi dei dati, Il Mulino, 2015.

The necessary chapters and sections will be communicated at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures; lab exercise sessions on the use of statistical softwares.

Assessment methods

Participation in class is compulsory and attendance will be recorded. Presence in at least 70% of classes is required. During the last class, students will take a written exam aimed at evaluating their knowledge of basic notions of methodology, their ability to perform simple statistical analyses of survey data using Excel and to present the results of those analyses in graphs and tables.

Teaching tools

Video projector, Pc, statistical software, virtuale.unibo.it platform.

Office hours

See the website of Filippo Tronconi