Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CRIM 861 G100

Research Methods II: Quantitative Methods (3)

Class Number: 2889

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The coverage of a range of statistical techniques, including linear regression, logistic regression, and data reduction techniques such as cluster and factor analysis. The purposes, assumptions, and conduct of such analyses using a statistical software package for social sciences (e.g. SPSS, Stata, R) will be covered. Attention will be given to the decisions involved in data exploration and preparation for statistical modeling purposes. Students enrolling in this course are expected to have a solid background in undergraduate quantitative research methods, equivalent to CRIM 320.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will address a range of parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques. The seminars will allow the instructor to present one particular statistical technique, i.e.: purposes, assumptions, type of information provided, interpretation of the results, how to conduct such analysis using a statistical software package for social sciences (I will be using R). The seminar will also include a discussion on the technique using published scientific studies, i.e. strengths and limitations of the statistical analysis, when to use (and not to use) such technique, as well as the interpretation of the findings.

Course structure:

There is one seminar (2 hours) per week, plus one 1-hour lab.

Lecture and lab topics:

  • Introduction, obtaining data, descriptive statistics, and visualization
  • Simple and multiple regression
  • Regression assumptions and diagnostics (multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, model specification)
  • Data reduction methods (principal components analysis, factor analysis)
  • Logistic/probit regression
  • Panel data methods
  • Simple time series analysis
  • More material if time permits
NOTE: the instructor retains the right to modify the nature of the course structure and schedule based on instructional needs.

Participation: This course is predicated on active and informed participation. Simply coming to class every week, occupying space, and warming the room is not enough. Students are expected to have done the readings for each week before the class, and to be prepared to discuss them.

Grading

  • Weekly Seminar Contributions 15%
  • Assignments 25%
  • Exam 40%
  • Take-home final (due: 15 April 2025) 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students will be provided with reading materials at the start of the course.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.