Sociology MA, Quantitative Methods, 7.5 credits

Aim

This course introduces a set of quantitative methods applicable in the sociological discipline, reaching from intermediate to advanced level. Examples and applications from the research areas risk, resilience, and working life are used to connect the methods to the theories relevant to the program.

Course objectives

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to:

• Show basic and overarching knowledge of advanced quantitative methods relevant to the field of sociology, to be able to make initiated choices of methods related to specific research questions.
  
  
• Be able to relate and critically discuss intermediate level and advanced quantitative methods to relevant sociological research and theory as well as in relation to qualitative designs.
  
  
• Be competent in using intermediate level methods of quantitative analysis relevant to the field of sociology, with a focus on multivariate analyses.
  
  
• Have knowledge on survey design, including question and questionnaire construction, sample selection, and robustness checks/sensitivity analysis.
  
  
• Be able to interpret and present results from quantitative methods in a correct and understandable way.

Content

The course starts with an overview of common quantitative research methods and recent methodological developments in the field of sociology. Students become familiar with a range of techniques for data collection and specific methods for interpreting and analysing data. Students conduct independent research and apply a specific quantitative method and technique to data analysis on a selected topic. Multivariate analyses and survey design are included, and other methods may be reviewed. Examples and implications relevant to the programme's fields of specialisation are used. We discuss individual methods' possibilities and limitations in different research designs, and their applicability to various kinds of data. Performing analysis as well as interpreting and presenting results are in focus. The intersection between quantitative and qualitative methods is discussed.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in social or behavioural sciences, of which aminimum of 60 credits in sociology. English course 6/English course B from SwedishUpper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The teaching is in the form of lectures and computer labs.

Examination form

1000: Written Assignments, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
All included written examination tasks must be approved in order to pass the examination.

The course is examined continuously through multiple written assignments.

Criteria for assessment: see discipline specific criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the syllabus are entitled to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this syllabus. Thereafter, the latest version of the syllabus applies.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals etc. are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance.