| Introduction
| RCBN Activities | References |
Resources | Links | Software
Introduction
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The
consultation exercise has shown that there is limited use and knowledge
of quantitative research generally. While there is an identifiable need
to help researchers consume research that uses multi-level modelling or
time-series analysis many articulate this need without little knowledge
of the use of basic numerical data analysis. This theme relates to the
use of large-scale secondary datasets and the more advanced programme
theme of longitudinal data analysis. However, there is a specific need
to encourage researchers to use numerical datasets, be less fearful of
such data and ultimately overcome disruptive ‘methodological identities’.
Such a theme would also have to show how numerical data could be combined
with more qualitative data.
RCBN Activities
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March
19 2004, Introduction to Multilevel Modelling, University of Leicester
This is
a one-day workshop being led by Professor Harvey Goldstein and John
Rasbash of the Centre for Multilevel Modelling at the Institute of Education,
University of London. Issues to be covered include the calculation of
confidence intervals for value added scores, the importance of allowing
for 'differential value added effects’ e.g. that depend on initial
achievement and the use of aggregate data such as school means. The
emphasis throughout will be on conceptual understanding and an appreciation
of the weaknesses as well as the strengths of the technique. Please
click here for more information.
This
introductory session may be followed by a further hands-on practical
workshop - please revisit the RCBN website for updates information.
23
Jan 2004 Longitudinal Research in Education, York
This one-day workshop/seminar will introduce participants to different
ways in which longitudinal research can be used in education. It will
show how time can be introduced into research both within a single study
and for repeated research studies. The workshop/seminar will also examine
a range of different types of research that use different forms of data
– including ‘qualitative’ and ‘quantitative’
data. The workshop will also discuss the use of existing large-scale
datasets, such as the British Household Panel Survey and the Youth Cohort
Study, in the context of education research. Further
Details.
22-23
May 2003 Applying for small grant funding and Introducing quantitative
research skills, Belfast
This is a two-day workshop principally for new career researchers. The
first day will focus on applying for small grant funding. The second
day will then focus on quantitative research in preparing and using
such data. Please click
here for more information about this two-day workshop.
Roadshow
seminars on the role of numbers in research
The
RCBN is undertaking a series of seminars around the UK at various dates
intended to stimulate discussion and awareness of the relatively simple
role of numbers in educational and, more specifically, teaching and
learning research. For more information about these seminars or to see
if we are coming to an Institution near you click
here.
July
2003
Role of numbers in research for ‘consumers’ of research;
1-day seminar/workshop (location TBA); 15 places
August
2003
Role of numbers in research for ‘trainers’ of new researchers;
1-day seminar/workshop (location TBA); 15 places
References
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Building
Research Capacity journal
Coe,
R (2002) What is an effect size?, Building
Research Capacity, 4, pp.6-8
Gorard,
S (2003) Anyone can calculate conditional probabilities,
Building Research Capacity, 5, pp.9-11
Gorard,
S (2002) What do statistical tests signify?, Building
Research Capacity, 2, pp.4-5
Nash,
R (2002) A realist scheme for social explanation: on 'numbers and narratives',
Building Research Capacity,
4, pp.1-4
Prandy,
K (2002) Measuring quantities: the qualitative foundation of quantity,
Building Research Capacity, 2, pp.3-4
Steele,
T (2003) Positivism's progressive past, Building
Research Capacity, 5, pp.6-9
Other
useful references
Berka,
K (1983) Measurement: its concepts, theories and problems,
London: Reidel
Booth, W., Colomb, G. and Williams, J. (1995) The craft of research,
Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Brignell,
J. (2000) Sorry, wrong number! The abuse of measurement, European
Science and Environment Forum
Clegg,
F. (1992) Simple Statistics: a course book for the social sciences,
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Dawes,
R. (2001) Everyday irrationality, Oxford: Westview Press
Gephart,
R. (1988) Ethnostatistics: Qualitative foundations for quantitative
research, London: Sage
Gigerenzer,
G. (2002) Reckoning with risk, London: Penguin
Gorard,
S. (2003) Quantitative methods in social science, London: Continuum
Huck,
S. and Sandler, H., (1979) Rival hypotheses: Alternative interpretations
of data based conclusions, New York: Harper and Row
Huff,
D. (1991) How to lie with statistics, Harmondsworth: Penguin
Reichmann,
W. (1961) Use and abuse of statistics, Harmondsworth: Penguin
Thouless,
R. (1974) Straight and crooked thinking, London: Pan
Resources
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Gorard,
S., Prandy, K. & Roberts K. (2002) An Introduction to the simple
role of numbers in social science research, Cardiff University
School of Social Sciences Occasional Paper 53
Abstract | Paper
The
significance of signficance
Rob Coe (Durham University) usefully outlines the main criticisms of
significance testing before highlighting alternative ways of interpreting
empirical results and allowing for their sampling variability. Also
includes useful references on significance testing. To see Rob Coe's
resource please click
here.
Links
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Use
of Numeric Data in Learning and Teaching
This website provides resources, case studies, recommendations and research
on the use of numeric data in learning and teaching, primarily for undergraduate
and postgraduate students. It focuses upon the use of existing national
data resources that are readily available to all learners.
The
Association for Survey Computing (ASC)
The Association for Survey Computing (ASC), originally known as the
Study Group on Computers in Survey Analysis (SGCSA), was formed in 1971
in order to improve knowledge of good practice in survey computing and
to disseminate information on techniques and survey software.
Cathie
Marsh Centre for Census and Survey Research (CCSR)
CCSR is an interdisciplinary research centre in the Faculty of Social
Sciences and Law at the University of Manchester.
Centre
for Applied Social Surveys (CASS)
CASS
aims to strengthen skills in survey design and analysis within the UK
social science research community.
The
Centre for Applied Statistics, Lancaster University
The Centre's activities include statistical
research, postgraduate training, the provision of statistical consultancy
services for University staff and research students and a short course
programme open to external participants.
Statistical
Services Centre, University of Reading
Specialists
in statistical consultancy, short courses and training UK and overseas.
TRAMSS
TRAMSS aims to develop a web-based learning and teaching resource for
quantitative social science researchers, students and trainers.
Exploratory
Software for Confidence Intervals (ESCI)
ESCI (Pronounced "esky") is a set of interactive simulations that
run under Microsoft Excel.
Electronic
Textbook Statsoft
This Electronic Statistics Textbook offers training in the understanding
and application of statistics.
Statnotes:
An Online Textbook
This is an on-line statistical textbook providing information
on a range of different statistical techniques.
Software
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