Quantitative Research Methods provides basic training in the gathering, description and analysis of quantitative information in the social, business, management and financial sciences.

This is a course in basic research methods including discussions of: data gathering issues and techniques; sources of data and potential biases; graphical and numerical data description techniques including simple linear regression and basic time series; sampling behaviour of averages and the Central Limit Theorem; point and interval estimation procedures; concepts in hypothesis testing for comparing two populations, simple and multiple linear regression; p-values and significance levels.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students should have the knowledge and skills to:

• Discuss different types of variables and produce appropriate graphical and numerical descriptive statistics
• Understand and apply probability rules and concepts relating to discrete and continuous random variables, including univariate and bivariate distributions and some specific probability density functions, concepts of expectation, variance, correlation and portfolio construction
• Understand the importance of the Central Limit Theorem and its uses and applications; judging appropriate conditions for its application; use the CLT to find probabilities associated with a range of values for a sample average; sample size determination
• Consider concepts of estimation – point and interval estimators, unbiasedness and consistency, calculation and interpretation of confidence intervals for a range of situations
• Perform and interpret hypothesis tests for a range of situations, identifying the situation at hand and assessing whether assumptions are met; discuss types of errors, significance, p-values, make appropriate conclusions with regards to decision making
• Perform and interpret simple and multiple linear regressions, assessing suitability of the model for the data type and situation; apply and interpret simple time series models
• Compare and contrast different sampling methodologies and assess suitability for a range of situations; discuss issues with choice of sampling method; sampling vs nonsampling errors; sample vs census choice

• Quizzes - 10%
• Assignments - 30%
• Final Examination - 60%

Three lectures and one tutorial per week plus private study time.

Incompatible with STAT1003 Statistical Techniques.

See Course Website:  http://ecocomm.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=STAT1008

See Course Website:  http://ecocomm.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=STAT1008

See Course Website:  http://ecocomm.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=STAT1008

Please refer to Course Website