SOS4022 – Advanced Statistical Methods
Course description
Course content
This course cover selected topics in statistical methods and research workflow related to statistical analysis. The topics covered are typically not included in statistical methods courses at the Master’s Level. In academic and applied research in sociology and allied disciplines, methods knowledge is key. The same holds for individuals with sociology degrees in business and government roles for. Statistical social science is moving forward at high speed, and this course delivers practical and theoretical knowledge that allow students to do cutting-edge analyses and implement efficient workflows.
The course will consist of a set of modules, each taught through a two-day workshop. The modules included may change (and likely will) each semester the course is taught. Students’ preferences is accommodated as far as possible in module selection.
We will use Stata and R as our main tools. This decision is made independently for each module. Language of instruction is English, unless all students have a sufficient command of Norwegian.
Potential course modules:
- Research designs for causal inference: instruments and discontinuities
- Introduction to reproducible research using R and RMarkdown
- Event history analysis: durations and intensities as dependent variables
- Is signifiance testing significant (p<0.05)? A discussion module.
- Panel data: fixed and random effects
- Quantile regression
- Multivariate data redux: Factor analysis and principal component analysis
Learning outcome
The learning outcome of the course is mastery of a suite of methods and workflow styles that will enable the student to produce several new statistical analyses and correctly and efficiently present the results from those analyses.
Admission
This course is a part of the Master's program in Sociology.
This course is not available for single course students.
The registration period runs from December 1st until February 1st for Master students enrolled to the Master's programme of Sociology. To apply for the course please fill out this application form. Applicants will be prioritized for admission after a first come, first-served principle.
In case there are available places, other advanced Master’s level students from the University of Oslo may be admitted as guest student if this is cleared by their own study programme. Please be aware that the application deadline may be earlier for guest students. Guest student's must also fill out and send in the application form (please see paragraph above for link).
This course has jointly taught classes with SOS9009 – Advanced statistical methods (ph.d.-level). The course is reserved for Ph.D. candidates at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography. Doctoral students must take SOS9009 – Advanced statistical methods.
If you have any questions please contact the student advisor for the Master’s degree in sociology.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Participants must have a good working knowledge of basic statistics and linear regression analysis.
SOS1120 or equivalent
SOS4020 or equivalent (if you are completing SOS4020 during the spring semester 2020 you are an eligible applicant)
Overlapping courses
5 credits overlap with SOS9009 – Advanced statistical methods
Credit overlap will be determined semester by semester, as the content of the course varies over semesters.
- SOS9009/SGO9009 overlaps with SOS4022 taught Spring 2020.
Teaching
The course consists of four modules.
Each module is taught separately as a two-day workshop. Readings associated with each module will be distributed several weeks ahead of the module teaching dates. Some teaching will be done by external teachers.
This course has jointly taught classes with SOS9009 – Advanced Statistical Methods (ph.d.-level).
Access to teaching
The language of instruction is English.
Compulsory tuition activities
Participation is mandatory (note that you must be present at all workshops). Approved compulsory attendance is valid until the course is no longer offered.
Absence from compulsory tuition activities
If you are ill or have another valid reason for being absent from compulsory tuition activities, your absence may be approved or the compulsory activity may be postponed.
Examination
Each module requires active class participation, readings, and submission of a short assignment. To receive a Pass grade, the student must complete the requirements of all four modules.
Masters participants obtain 10 ECTS credits by completing the course requirements which are:
- Active participation in the course in each module
- Submission of short assignment in each module
- Oral exam
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.