SOCR3001 - Data for Decision Making

This course will provide students with an understanding of how data is currently used to inform decision making and how data might be used more effectively to inform business, service delivery and policy questions. The course will build on student knowledge across a range of analytical techniques with a focus on the practical application of these techniques to real world problems. It is structured around a number of case studies drawn from business, the community sector and the public sector. Key themes include:
- the ways in which data and empirical analysis can help inform real world decisions;
- strengths and weaknesses of different types of data and empirical evidence;
- the assumptions underlying some of the main analytical techniques used in decision making; and,
- how to use data persuasively- how to used data in a tactical and strategic way.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/SOCR3001

SOCR4001/SOCR8001 - Statistics for Social Scientists

This course provides an introduction to basic statistics with an emphasis on statistical concepts and methods commonly applied in social research. Lecture topics cover measurement scales, frequency distributions, measures of central location and dispersion, sampling distribution of statistics, confidence intervals and hypothesis test, Chi-squared test, correlation and linear regression. Teaching is provided through lectures and computer training sessions. No previous knowledge of statistics is assumed, however, a sound knowledge of basic mathematics and spreadsheets is required. The course will equip students with the skills required to assess the validity of common statistical tests used in quantitative research.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/SOCR4001

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/SOCR8001

SOCR4008/8008 - Qualitative Social Research

This course provides a broad overview of the theory of qualitative research, and examines the basic skills involved in the application of these methods in social research, demography and population studies. Qualitative methods are defined, and their uses and limitations explored. Qualitative methods are compared with quantitative methods, and approaches to the integration of qualitative data are reviewed. Strong emphasis is given to practical exercises in the collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative data. In analyzing textual data, the use of NVivo will be introduced.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/SOCR4008

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/SOCR8008

SOCR8201 - Introduction to Social Science Methods and Types of Data

This course provides an introduction to the main empirical social science methods, types of data, and techniques for collecting social science data. The course will provide students with the skills to apply social science methods to the generation and analysis of data to inform policy, business and service delivery decisions.

Content will cover: overview of main social and behavioural theories (rational choice; nudge and behavioural insights; complexity theory), introduction to research design (observational designs; intervention and experimental designs and action research), techniques for collecting data (quantitative surveys; qualitative interviews; behavioural and experience methods), measurement issues, participatory approaches to research, vulnerable populations, and ethics and privacy considerations.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/SOCR8201