2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5734M Analysing Data in Political Science

30 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Marius Mehrl
Email: m.mehrl@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Which groups in society are most likely to support terrorism? What are the main reasons for abstention in elections? What factors influence individuals’ opinions on the UK’s EU membership? Such questions are core to political science research, but are not easily answered without the use of statistical methods. Often, statistics are seen as inaccessible and ‘difficult’ by many people, but the basic concepts and their use are, in fact, simple and accessible. Using a hands-on, applied approach rather than just mathematics, this module will introduce you to basic statistical analysis and provide you the tools not only to answer questions such as the ones above, but also give you a range of analytical skills which will be invaluable in many of the careers chosen by POLIS graduates. How you use numerical data, apply it and explain the results of this analysis to non-experts is a core skill required by the majority of employers. Being able to use such approaches will also be invaluable to your dissertation, giving you a much wider range of possible topics and approaches.

Objectives

The module is designed with the goal of introducing students to different quantitative methodologies used by political scientists. Using real-life datasets, students are taken from a level of standard numeracy to understanding and applying more advanced statistical techniques including regression analysis. The module moves from basic descriptive analysis through measures of association, to multivariate techniques. The module will also introduce students to a state-of-the-art statistical software to clean and manage data, estimate statistical models, and produce graphics. The skills developed on the module should be applicable both for academic research and in subsequent careers where data analysis is applicable.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Understand the quantitative methodologies employed in political science.
2. Interpret output using clear, simple language accessible to non-specialists as well as statically trained audiences.
3. Evaluate the use of these methods in answering questions of a political nature.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Skilfully deploy the use of numerical data, apply it and explain the results of this analysis to non-experts.
2. Perform data analysis using a statistical software.
3. Use technology and computer programmes to assemble, and process data.
4. Communicate ideas accurately, effectively, and persuasively in group discussions.
5. Plan and develop an independent piece of written research.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			258.00
Total Contact hours			42.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly informal assignments will allow staff to monitor engagement and understanding of the different techniques. An early multiple-choice assessment (15%) will provide staff with evidence as to understanding of the technical concepts in basic descriptive statistics. A short, mid-term essay (35%) will focus on interpretation of basic bivariate tests. In this essay, the students will not be asked to produce results, but simply to interpret results given to them. The final project will demonstrate students’ capacity not only to carry out statistical analysis, but also to write this up clearly and simply, to ensure understanding for a wide range of audiences. More broadly, small seminar groups will allow staff to work individually with students to ensure that they engage with the techniques, and can discuss any issues they have with using quantitative methods.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	Midterm Multiple-Choice Quiz	25.00
Assignment	Coursework	75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:21

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