290149 UE Applied Statistical Data Analysis in Geography II, Group B (2009S)

The goal of this course is for students to apply advanced quantitative and comparative analysis techniques like parametric and non-parametric tests, (multiple) regression analysis, etc. through a set of hands-on tasks and projects. The course will provide the students with the skills necessary for carrying out analyses of real data sets. Students will get an insight into how to use software packages in order to read census and survey data, recode and analyze variables, design and interpret tables, apply advanced uni- and bivariate statistical and comparative techniques in order to test hypotheses, and assess the advantages and limitations inherent in positivistic research strategies of the kind carried out in this course.
The primary objectives of this course are:
1. Improving skills at developing research designs and applied advanced data analysis methods.
2. Fine tuning in quantitative data analysis methods using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) so that students can employ these methods in their research.
3. Taking students step-by-step through the design, analysis, composition, presentation, and critical assessment of advanced quantitative or comparative research projects.