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BUSI4W115: Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research I

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 Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • As specified in Special Regulations

Excluded Combinations of Modules

Aims

  • Provide students with the advanced quantitative skills necessary to pursue empirical research in micro and macro organisation behaviour;
  • Provide students with the advanced quantitative skills required to estimate regression models and interpret the estimates from such models.

Content

  • Simple linear regression
  • The bivariate model: estimation: the method of OLS; assumptions underlying OLS; recision of OLS estimates; goodness-of-fit; R2.
  • Hypothesis testing, tests of significance
  • Multiple linear regression
  • Collinearity
  • Autocorrelation
  • Specification error
  • Dummy variables

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • have an advanced knowledge of key quantitative methods and principles

Subject-specific Skills:

  • be able to use several advanced quantitative tools to conduct their own empirical investigations into complex specialised issues, and interpret the results at an advanced level
  • have practised problem solving skills at an advanced level and the use of specialised software.

Key Skills:

  • have enhanced their computer literacy skills;
  • have the capacity for sustained independent work and learning at an advanced level and the ability to learn through critical reflection on practice and experience;
  • be able to think independently, including problem-solving ability and the ability to operate and exercise appropriate judgement in complex and specialised contexts;
  • be able to understand complex research, critically analyse it, and communicate ideas about it to peers;
  • have the ability to accept a high level of personal responsibility, including an ability to evaluate and resolve any ethical dilemmas which may arise, in research and professional practice.

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

  • A combination of lectures, seminars and group work will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module. Summative assessment by written examination and applied data analysis will test students' ability to demonstrate what they have learned in the conduct and analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Workshops10Weekly3 hours30Yes
Preparation and Reading120 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Empirical problem sets (in-class)Component Weighting: 60%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Empirical problem sets (completed in class)100 
Component: Written examinationComponent Weighting: 40%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Two-hour unseen written examination100 

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment, and feedback, may take a number of forms such as answers to questions discussed during workshops, or posted on DUO; discussions with teaching staff during consultation hours, or via e-mail.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.