CPD in Statistical Thinking for Social Data Analysis

Overview

This CPD is part of a programme of Continuous Professional Development in the area of Applied Social Data Analysis that the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy will deliver from Spring 2022. Addressing the scarcity of training in data science in Ireland and co-created with key industry partners, the Applied Social Data Analysis CPD programme trains participants in the fundamental knowledge and skills of social data analysis. The programme goes beyond social data analytics to address causal analysis and consider social issues that are important to industries such as inequality, unemployment, climate change and ethics. This CPD will be of interest to individuals who wish to progress their careers through acquiring valuable social data analysis skills that are widely sought after in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Short description

The CPD in Statistical Thinking for Social Data Analysis will provide participants with an understanding of key statistical and econometric methods used to analyse social data and how to implement them using the statistical software package R. The CPD overviews key statistical concepts necessary to analyse social data, introduces participants to regression analysis and demonstrates the use of these methods with practical applications. On successful completion of the CPD, participants will be able to:

• Explain and apply statistical terminology to the analysis of social data
• Formulate questions in the language and abstractions of statistics
• Solve simple problems related to the topics in the CPD
• Conduct their own basic statistical analysis using R

What topics will you cover?

The first part of Statistical Thinking for Social Data Analysis reviews key statistical concepts necessary to analyse social data, such as graphical and numerical data description; probability theory; discrete and continuous random variables; sampling; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing.

The second part of the CPD introduces participants to basic multiple regression analysis, modelling of non-linear relationships, and dummy variables.
The CPD has an applied focus, demonstrating the use of these methods with practical applications using real world datasets and using the statistical software package R.

Who is this course for?

The target learner cohort are participants working in the private sector, for example ITC, finance, banking sectors. Participants are expected to have basic computer skills and some quantitative experience through prior training e.g. degree or equivalent experience. Participants should also have access to a laptop with camera and a microphone.

Who teaches the course?

Assistant Professor Nicola Fontana, Department of Economics, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin.

How is the course delivered?

The CPD will be delivered in two different modes for two different intakes of students at different times of the year:

1. The CPD will be delivered over 5 consecutive weeks with one 5-hour session each week (1 day X 5 weeks X 5 hours). This will be preceded by 2 hours of preparatory online instruction. Additionally, participants will undertake 20 hours of self study over the course of the programme and complete a combination of in-class and 1 take home exercise. One additional week will be included for submitting CPD exercises. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion in Statistical Thinking for Social Data Analysis, participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.
2. The CPD will be delivered through a week-long, intensive programme (5 days X 5 hours) in Trinity College. This will be preceded by 2 hours preparatory online instruction. Additionally participants will undertake 20 hours self study over the course of the intensive programme and complete a combination of in class and 1 take home exercise. One additional week will be included for submitting CPD exercises. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion in Statistical Thinking for Social Data Analysis participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.