Introduction to the data analysis techniques used in survey research and software packages used to analyze survey data. Requires no previous background in statistics. Focus on the literature and debates in the field of survey research, as well as key problems facing survey research practitioners. The practice and use of survey research in the United States and throughout the world. The structure, culture and professional norms of the survey community and the role of public opinion polling in government and public policy-making are covered in this course.
Student groups conduct all phases of a survey project from design to analysis.
Advanced issues in questionnaire and research design, advanced sampling techniques, focus groups, and report writing. Advanced quantitative techniques including bivariate and multiple regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminate analysis. The Seminar begins with situating qualitative research in the social sciences. A number of different qualitative research methods are examined In the first half of the semester. The remainder of the semester is devoted to one particular qualitative method-focus groups.