122252 AR Linguistics Course (Advanced 1-5) - Hist. & Descr. (2017S)

This course provides an introduction to multivariate statistical modeling (more specifically, regression models) with a particular focus on the analysis of data coming from various subareas of linguistic research, such as general linguistics, sociolinguistics, PPN linguistics, historical linguistics, or first/second language acquisition research.

The first part of the course introduces descriptive as well as inferential statistics, i.e. measures of central tendency and variability, parameter estimation and confidence intervals (as well as a quick introduction to hypothesis testing). In the second part of the course, we will consider various regression-model families (linear models, logistic regression, generalized linear models, mixed effects models) which can be used to analyze the impact of multiple predictor (independent) variables on a single outcome (dependent) variable.

The course is partially based on Butler (1985), "Statistics in linguistics". Since this is a Blocklehrveranstaltung, students are advised to read the first couple of chapters for the first session and hand in a pre-course exercise (for details see moodle). More literature to be provided in class.

For calculating purposes, the statistical software package R together with the frontend RStudio will be used. Both are already installed on the PCs in the PC labs. Since most of the assignments will require calculations with R(Studio), the correct version of this software is needed to be installed on your own computer.

No previous knowledge of statistics or statistical software is required but a solid knowledge of high school mathematics (at least Unterstufe) will prove useful (linear functions, basic arithemtical operations, fractions, percentages etc.).