BSTA 13A01 - Quantitative methods in Social Sciences

The first-year course in quantitative methods for the humanities and social sciences serves as a foundational introduction to their uses. As a crucial intersection of interdisciplinary study within the social sciences, quantitative methods are utilized across most core disciplines taught at Sciences Po in the first year, including sociology, economics, and political science. While their application may be less prevalent in historical and legal scholarship, statistics nonetheless contribute to the evolution of certain research areas within those fields. The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with the interpretation of numerical results and graphical representations, data analysis, and the practical application of statistical methods in social sciences. It is designed to cultivate students' competencies in accurately reading tables and graphs and in interpreting them by posing pertinent questions regarding their construction. In addition to their significance in scientific research, statistics function as an essential tool for practical application: they facilitate the management and governance of institutions and enterprises. Through a critical lens, we aim to equip students with a robust statistical literacy that is accessible to all. Statistics are not an exclusive domain; one does not require an extensive mathematical background to compare means or percentages, draw valid conclusions, and leverage this information for argumentation or decision-making.

Sessions 3 and 4: Relating variables

Session 5: Where do statistical data come from?

Sessions 6 and 7: Constructing and Categorizing data

Sessions 8 and 9: Significance Tests (T-test and Chi-square test)

Examinations: Continuous assessment accounts for 2⁄3 of the overall grade, with the final examination contributing a further 1⁄3. Continuous assessment usually consists of 1.5 hours of in-class examinations comprising either 3 thirty-minute tests or 2 forty-five-minute tests. Continuous assessment may also include a mark for in-class participation, weighted at a maximum of 10%. Exercises set in class and completed in students' own time do not count towards the overall grade. The final examination will consist of a 90-minute test undertaken in session 12. The examinations for each group will be set by the teacher. IT tool: Excel.