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Member rate £492.50
Non-Member rate £985.00
Save £45 Loyalty discount applied automatically*
Save 5% on each additional course booked
*If you attended our Methods School in Summer/Winter 2024.
Monday 25 February – Friday 1 March, 08:00–08:50
This is a FREE supplementary course. You must register and pay for a one-week or two-week course in order to take it. To book, please check the box when registering. If you have already registered and would like to add this course, email methodsschool@ecpr.eu
Quick maths refresher focusing on topics essential to better understand analytical tools in modern social scientific research.
Such tools include statistical models (e.g. linear regression, factor analysis), estimation techniques (e.g. least squares, maximum likelihood), measurement, formal modelling, and all kinds of inferences.
The course deals with:
Logic is essential for sound inferences as well as for theory formation. Algebra, calculus and matrices are essential for formal modelling and for better understanding statistical models and estimation techniques. Probability playes a crucial role in statistical models as well as measurement of theoretical concepts.
We won't be able to discuss individual topics thoroughly in such a short space of time. Instead, I will emphasise the relationship between mathematics and individual aspects of social science research.
After this course, you can extend your knowledge of maths through the recommended readings, depending on your areas of interest.
Susumu Shikano is Professor of Political Methodology at the University of Konstanz. His research interests are spatial models of politics and various topics in political behaviour.
His work has appeared in journals including Public Choice, Political Psychology, Party Politics, West European Politics, and the British Journal of Political Science.
Basic algebra (secondary school level)
Day | Topic | Details |
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Monday | Logic |
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Tuesday | Algebra |
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Wednesday | Matrix algebra |
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Thursday | Calculus |
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Friday | Probability |
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Day | Readings |
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Monday |
Patrick Suppes (1957) Introduction to Logic. Dover. Chapters 1-4. |
Tuesday |
Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 1. |
Wednesday |
Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 3-4. |
Thursday |
Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 5-6. |
Friday |
Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 7-8. |
None
None
Austen-Smith, D.; Banks, J. S. (1999). Positive Political Theory I: Collective Preference. University of Michigan Press.
Austen-Smith, D.; Banks, J. S. (2005). Positive Political Theory II: Strategy and Structure. University of Michigan Press.
Gary King (1989) Unifying Political Methodology. The Likelihood Theory of Statistical Inference. University of Michigan Press.