Social Data Analysis

Overview

Overview

This CPD teaches students how to apply quantitative methods to conduct causal impact analysis using data. In particular, students will learn how econometric methods can be used to answer questions related to human behaviour and strategic decision-making with the help of regression based econometric methods.

With the help of this course, participants will engage with advanced techniques to analyse data and to distinguish a causality link from a simple correlation. We will do it by looking both at the theoretical side and at the most recent application. Being able to identify causality links represents a crucial skill for a person interested in understanding the data that today's world produces.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Determine which methods can be used to analyse different datasets for addressing questions relevant to the social sciences.
  • Critically assess findings of studies that apply these methods.
  • Design their own randomised experiments.
  • Conduct their own causal regression analysis using the statistical software package R.

What Topics will you Cover?

The CPD focuses on applied causal regression analysis providing an understanding of econometric methods for use with big data. In particular, the course covers regression-based evaluation methods to assess the casual relationships between different factors at play.

These include the use of panel data, difference-in-differences estimation, matching and regression discontinuity designs, randomised experiments, and natural or quasi-experiments.

The CPD has an applied focus, demonstrating the use of these methods with practical applications using the statistical software package R and referring to examples from recent studies that apply those methods to answer key questions in the social sciences. 

Who is this Course For?

Participants are often working in the IT, finance, and banking sectors. Participants are expected to have basic computer skills and some quantitative experience through prior training in statistics, such as degree or equivalent experience.

Who Teaches the Course?

Assistant Professor Nicola Fontana, Department of Economics, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin.

Time, Date, and Place

Start Date: Tuesday 13th February 2024.

Live lectures will run for 7 weeks in total (6 weeks of live lectures + 1 week of break for studying) on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm, and conclude on the 26th of March.

Additionally, participants are expected to undertake 20 hours of self-study over the course of the programme to review the material provided. Students will give presentations on their research during the last week of the module.

On successful completion of the CPD, students will receive a Certificate of Completion. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion in Social Data Analysis, participants will need to have delivered the final presentation.

For more information, download our brochure:

School of Social Sciences and Philosophy CPD brochure 2024

Social Data Analysis

Understanding causal links in today’s data-driven world. This is one of six new in-person CPD courses offered by the School of Social Sciences & Philosophy. Speaker: Dr. Nicola Fontana

Admission Requirements

Participants should have access to a desktop or laptop with camera and a microphone.

Course Fees

€1,500

Apply

Registration for this course closes on Tuesday 6th February.

Places are limited as class sizes are small, with up to 30 per class, so enroll as soon as possible to secure your place on the course.

You can enroll on the course directly via the PayPal link below. The course fee includes access to the course materials via Blackboard (Trinity’s virtual learning environment) for the duration of the course. Participation in this CPD course does not include access to the Trinity Library or any other student services (including a student identity card). 

For employers wishing to pay for employees' registration via invoice, please contact sspcpd@tcd.ie

Enrol Now

Social Data Analysis - €1,500

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Get in Touch

Please contact sspcpd@tcd.ie for further details about applying for the module.

For further details about the content of the module, you can contact the module lecturer, Dr. Nicola Fontana at Nicola.Fontana@tcd.ie

Register Your Interest

Register your interest at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.

As Ireland’s leading university, we offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes at masters, diploma and certificate level.

Trinity is an international university steeped in history, with a reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation.

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