All programmes > Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods (B-KUL-S0J73A)

3 ECTSEnglish15 Second term
N. |  Stiers Dieter (substitute)
POC Politieke wetenschappen

Aims

This course aims to familiarize students with the practical application of the most common quantitative research methods in Social Sciences.

 

Upon completion of the course the student is able to:

  • Critically evaluate the match between research question, data, and statistical analysis
  • Conduct a quantitative analysis and present the results of his/her analysis in an analytical paper;
  • Apply and use the methodological approaches and tools introduced in this course in their master thesis research.

 

These aims are communicated to the students at the beginning of the course.

Previous knowledge

At the beginning of the course the student is expected to:

  • have basic math skills, in-depth knowledge of descriptive statistics, and basic knowledge of inferential statistics;
  • be familiar with the basics of the most common statistical techniques in social sciences (e.g. linear regression, logistic regression);
  • Possess an inquisitive nature and a critical attitude towards methodological and epistemological claims.

 

This course builds on the knowledge, skills and attitude that were developed in the following courses:

  • S0A18A Methodologie van de sociale wetenschappen [Methodologies of Social Sciences]
  • S0A17D Statistiek van de sociale wetenschappen [Statistics of Social Sciences]
  • S0F15A Kwantitatieve onderzoeksmethoden: data-analyse 1 [Quantitative Research Methods: Data-analysis 1]

 

Having followed these or similar courses in advance is recommended, but not a formal prerequisite. The following book can be useful for refreshing one’s memory of the most important issues and concepts concerning the topics of this course: Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using SPSS (5th edition). London: Sage.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

3 ects. Quantitative Research Methods (B-KUL-S0J73a)

3 ECTSEnglishFormat: Practical15 Second term
N. |  Stiers Dieter (substitute)
POC Politieke wetenschappen

Content

This course aims to familiarize students with the practical application of the most common quantitative research methods in Social Sciences in SPSS.

In each session the students will get an overview of a frequently used statistical technique, followed by the hands on application of that technique.  

Students will be required to conduct a small quantitative analysis and write up the results in the form of a research paper. Students are encouraged to use the data of their master’s thesis research for this assignment.

Course material

The course will use the following course materials:

  • Academic literature which will be made available via Toledo;
  • Slides which will be made available via Toledo;
  • Personal notes.

Format: more information

The lectures and exercise sessions are both organized on campus.

In order to achieve the aims of the course, students will have to:

  • Attend all lectures and exercise sessions;
  • Complete the exercises that are introduced during the different sessions;
  • Familiarize themselves in great detail with the SPSS software package.

 

This course is organized through block teaching at the start of the second semester.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Quantitative Research Methods (B-KUL-S2J73a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project

Explanation


Characteristics of the evaluation

Students are required to conduct a quantitative analysis and write up their findings in an analytical paper.

Further details on the deadline, format and requirements of the individual assignment will be communicated in the lectures and via Toledo.

 

Determination of the end result

The evaluation is done by the lecturer, as communicated on Toledo and the exam schedule. The result is calculated and expressed as an integer number on 20.

 

The deadline for submission must be respected. If the deadline is not met, the student receives a ‘not taken’ (NA) for the whole course. There can be no negotiation about possible postponement. In case of exceptional individual circumstances, the student should contact the ombudsperson. A new deadline can only be determined for serious reasons and after request.

 

Students are fully responsible for submitting papers and assignments free of fraud and plagiarism (www.kuleuven.be/english/education/plagiarism) and are requested to observe the Faculty’s relevant regulations. Plagiarism will be sanctioned with the sanctions mentioned in the University’s Regulations on Education and Examinations (www.kuleuven.be/education/regulations).

 

Retaking exams

Students who do not pass for this course at their first attempt, can do a resit. The evaluation format and modalities will be the same as of the first exam opportunity. The specific modalities and deadline for submission will be communicated via Toledo in the beginning of July at last.

Information about retaking exams

See explanation 'retaking exams'.