DEMO8083 Introduction to Longitudinal Methods

Offered By	Australian Demographic & Social Research Institute
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Demography
Offered in	Second Semester, 2010 and Second Semester, 2011
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course is designed to give students an overview of the use of longitudinal methods in social research. No prior knowledge in survey research methods is assumed. Many social surveys collect information at one point in time which does not allow the researcher to determine cause and effect. Longitudinal surveys, specifically panel surveys, collect information from the same respondent over time, allowing analysts to examine pathways for individuals. The use of longitudinal data has many advantages over the use of data which take only a ‘snapshot’ of a society: these advantages to social researchers and policy makers will be considered. The course introduces the purposes of using longitudinal data, basic designs of longitudinal studies, design considerations, advantages and disadvantages of panel studies, panel data quality and dissemination of results. Instruction in relevant computer software is given as necessary.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the course participants will understand the strengths and weaknesses of longitudinal data, will be aware of how longitudinal surveys are designed, how longitudinal data are collected, and be aware of the data management issues which are unique to longitudinal data collection.
Indicative Assessment	Online blog (20%), Case study of 1,500 words (20%), Essay of 3,000 words (40%),Presentation (20%)
Workload	two one hour sessions on campus per week.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest	Population Studies and Social Research
Corequisites	DEMO8061 Social Research Design
Consent Required	Students not enrolled in the Master of Social Research or the Graduate Certificate in Social Research require permission of the Masters Coordinator, Dr Robert Ackland, to enrol in this course. Please email him on adsri.study@anu.edu.au
Prescribed Texts	Lynn, P. (Ed.). 2009. Methodology of Longitudinal Surveys. Wiley: West Sussex. Additional weekly readings will be provided on the Wattle course site.
Preliminary Reading	Rose, D. (ed.) (2000) Researching social and economic change: the uses of household panel studies, London: Routledge.
Programs	Graduate Certificate in Social Research and Master of Social Research
Other Information	This course can be selected as one of two DEMO methods courses that students undertaking the "Social Research Methods" stream of the Master of Social Research are required to take.
Academic Contact	Dr Edith Gray

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.