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ANTH47315: Simulating Data in R

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Open
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Anthropology

Prerequisites

  • SGIA49915 Quantitative Methods and Analysis, or completion of the Durham Research Methods Centre (DRMC) R school, or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To explore how simulation can be used to complement statistical regression analysis.
  • To explore how to simulate social dynamics.

Content

  • Indicative content as follows:
  • Simulating from statistical distributions in R.
  • Simulating regression data in R.
  • Simulating social dynamics in R.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students should have:
  • Understanding of how to simulate data from appropriate statistical distributions.
  • Understanding of how to simulate data for regression analysis.
  • Understanding of how simulation can be used to estimate power and uncertainty.
  • Understanding of the principles underpinning simple Markov chain simulations.
  • Understanding of how social dynamics can be simulated.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • Simulate data from statistical distributions.
  • Simulate regression data.
  • Manipulate and run simple social simulations.

Key Skills:

  • Students will develop some key and transferable skills:
  • Understanding how to use R code to run simple simulations.
  • Understanding the application of simulation modelling in empirical research.
  • Incorporating simulation methods in an empirical research project proposal.
  • Writing and reading reports of simulation methods.
  • Preparing presentations.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module uses a learner-centred model and flipped-classroom techniques:
  • Prior to each workshop, appropriate information which may include texts, tutor-videos and practical worksheets, are made available for the student to acquire generic conceptual and practical information. Students use an online discussion board to register queries and offer peer feedback.
  • Face-to-face or remote workshops include mixed forms of delivery as appropriate which may include lecture, tutorial and practical elements.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Workshops10Weekly220 
Preparation and Reading130 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: AssessmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Project proposal presentation an annotated (i.e. speech written out in speaker notes appropriate for a 10-15 minute presentation) Powerpoint presentation proposing the use of simulation elements to a research project in the students own academic discipline for a cross-disciplinary academic audience.10-15 slides / equivalent to 10-15 mins delivery content.100Yes

Formative Assessment

Students submit and receive written feedback on a plan for their summative presentation (limit: 500 words).

More information

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