Advanced Quantitative Methods

Spring 2022

University of Mannheim

Advanced Quantitative Methods

Building on the analytical and theoretical background of the previous course in our MA methods sequence (Multivariate Analyses), this course introduces interested graduate students to strategies and tools of how to develop statistical models that are tailored to answer their particular research questions.

You might have noticed by now, the linear regression model is often an inappropriate tool for answering substantive questions in political science. This course serves as an introduction to a multitude of probability models that are appropriate when the linear model is inadequate. After introducing the fundamentals from which statistical models are developed, this course will focus on one specific theory of inference, namely on the statistical theory of maximum likelihood. We will also devote considerable time to statistical programming, simulating and conveying quantities of material interest of such models (using R) in order to encourage students to switch from a consumer-mode into a producer-mode of social science research.

Organization

Lecture

Wednesday 8:30-10:00
A5,6 B244

Labs

Thursday 10:15-11:45 in A5,6 B317
Thursday 15:30-17:00 online (until mid-April)

Online Office Hours

Thomas: Tuesday 13:30-14:30
Oliver: Monday 16:00-17:30
Viktoriia: Tuesday 15:30-17:00

Homework Assignments

2-3 people
Assigned after lecture
Due next Tuesday, 23:59

Grading

Six Homework Assignments - 25%
Final Paper - 75%

Syllabus

For more details, check out the Syllabus, and Roadmap for the course material overview

Getting help in the course

We expect everyone will have questions at some point in the semester, so we encourage you to use the following resources for help.

Ask questions during lectures and labs

If you have a question during lecture or lab, feel free to ask it! There are likely other students with the same question, so by asking you will create a learning opportunity for everyone.

Office hours

The teaching team is here to help you be successful in the course. You are encouraged to attend office hours during the times posted on the home page to ask questions about the course content and assignments. From our experience, we can best help if you come with a specific question in mind.

Slack

Students regularly run into the same issues as one another, so it’s helpful to ask these questions in a shared space. You are thus welcome to post questions in our Slack workspace. You can ask questions and help each other out by answering questions of your peers. We will monitor the channel and try to respond to your questions there ASAP.

Email

If you have questions about personal matters that are not appropriate for the public space like Slack channels (e.g., illness, accommodations, etc.), please don’t hesitate to email us.