290107 UE Applied Statistical Data Analysis in Geography I (2006W)

The goal of this course is for students to apply quantitative and comparative analysis techniques through a set of hands-on exercises and projects. The course will impart the necessary skills in the process of carrying out actual analyses of real data sets. Students will learn how to use software packages to read census and survey data, recode and analyze variables, design and interpret tables, apply uni- and bivariate statistical and comparative techniques to test hypotheses, and assess the advantages and limitations inherent to positivistic research strategies of the kind carried out in this course.
The primary objectives of this course are:
1. To introduce basic research design and data analysis methods.
2. To teach basic quantitative data analysis methods using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) so that students can employ these methods in their research.
3. To take students step-by-step through the design, analysis, composition, presentation, and defense of a quantitative or comparative research project.