EC207-Empirical Methods for Economics and Social Sciences

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: EC115 Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 1
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: EC204 Introductory Econometrics
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Chenyang Wang
Email: c.wang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module introduces the students to the study and practice of data analysis in the social sciences.

Aims:
The purpose of this module is to develop students£ confidence and competence in the use of statistical and quantitative methods as applied in economics and the social sciences.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, students should be able to use data as evidence for economic statements; understand and assess quantitative evidence; effectively communicate the results of a statistical analysis.

Additional outcomes:

Confident use of statistical computing and graphics with software such as Excel.

Outline content:
Topics might include loading and transferring data, numerical and graphical summaries of data, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, counts and tables, analysis of variance, OLS regression, interpretation of output tables.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lab-based 2 hour teaching sessions. Short introductory lecture followed by use of software and data. Applied sessions work with recently learned statistical concepts. Learning by doing in a supervised environment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	8
Practicals classes and workshops	20
Guided independent study:	172
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	50
Practical skills assessment	25
Class test administered by School	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:
There is no final examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students complete a practical skills assessment that tests their ability to use confidently and correctly the statistic software, a class test to be administered during the autumn term which assesses students' knowledge of the statistical models learned throughout the module, and an extended data analysis project (2000-3000 words) due in the spring term.

Formative assessment methods:
Students apply key concepts under staff supervision during classes.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination for all modules takes place in August of the same year. Reassessment is by coursework only; this will not be a re-submission of the earlier empirical project; a new project will be set.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: Students will require the use of a laptop for the practical classes.


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 21 October 2021