Data clinics

This module is designed to allow PhD researchers to improve their understanding of quantitative methods and deepen their skills on specific statistical tools. The module is meant to provide a practical and applied – rather than purely theoretical – understanding of some of the key methods and techniques used in the Social and Political Sciences. It is organised as a laboratory session, where the PhD researchers’ own data or other publicly available dataset will be explored and analysed using statistical software. Specific attention will be devoted to the graphical presentation of results. The practical sessions – organised in four classes (2.5 hours each) – will focus on methods such as data reduction techniques, models for discrete dependent variables, survival and event history analysis. Other quantitative methods could be included in the course upon request from the PhD researchers. The data clinic laboratory will allow students to further their knowledge of quantitative methods by developing their own project and addressing their research questions, preparing them for the next stage in their dissertation (i.e., research design, data analysis, write up of the final thesis).