SOS4022 – Advanced Statistical Methods
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 to the course
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.The application deadline is six weeks prior the course. For dates see the semester page.?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.
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 2023 you are an eligible applicant)
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 course?(ph.d.-level).
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
Examination support material
All exam support materials are allowed during this exam. Generating all or part of the exam answer using AI tools such as Chat GPT or similar is not allowed.
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.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.