Course description

This is an introductory course of statistical data analysis, designed for the students of the Economics and Politics program. The material covered in the course includes methods of data collection, analysis, presentation of results as well as the use of statistical data analysis software, SPSS®. The course encompasses methods of descriptive statistics, statistical estimates, data comparison hypothesis testing, correlation as well as regression analysis. During the laboratory sessions students will learn to use the statistical data analysis software, SPSS®, types of data, user tools, as well as procedures for data analysis and presentation. Statistical methods and SPSS® software will be applied to the analysis of concrete economic and political data.

Course aim

The goal of the course is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the analysis of economic and political data.  At the end of the course the students should be able to identify and apply the key methods of data analysis, carry out the analysis using specialized software, and to interpret the results.

Learning outcomes

• To understand the basic terminology used in statistics.
• To understand the basic principles of descriptive statistics.
• To understand the basic concepts of probability.
• To understand the basic principles of inferential statistics.
• To be able to utilize the correct statistical test based on sample, and hypothesis.
• To understand the difference between parametric and nonparametric tests.
• To be able to apply basic descriptive statistics to an available data base.
• To be able to apply the appropriate basic inferential statistics to the decision making process.
• To be able to make generalizations about a population based on a sample from that population.
• To be able to apply statistical techniques to evaluate basic business hypothesis.

Annotation

In the Economics and Politics program a Bachelor Thesis is written during the eighth semester and is worth 15 ECTS credits. A Thesis is written in English. While writing a Bachelor Thesis students synthesize and augment knowledge and skills acquired during the study at ISM and demonstrate possession of competences required of the recipients of a Bachelor degree in Economics and Politics. In terms of its content and methods of analysis, a Thesis must inter-link objects of several disciplines, particularly those of economics and of politics.

Learning outcomes

• To be able to define the research problem and the main goals of a Thesis in a concise way.
• To be able to perform a review of academic literature, relevant to the problem-area and the main goals of a thesis.
• Be able to present a testable hypothesis, consistent with assumptions derived from literature review.
• Be able to collect quantitative and/ or qualitative data and perform appropriate empirical analysis to ascertain the validity of the hypothesis.
• Be able to demonstrate proficiency in academic writing, proper literature citation and compilation of a reference list.
• Demonstrate ability to present findings of the thesis to an academic community of peers and defend the thesis in front of a faculty panel.