Doing Multivariate Analysis (DMA)
This module will introduce you to the theory and practice of multivariate analysis, covering Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and logistic regressions. You will learn how to read published results critically, to do simple multivariate modelling yourself, and to interpret and write about your results intelligently.
The module covers the basic theory and practice of multivariate regression: underlying assumptions; and issues of specification, including dealing with missing values and categorical variables.
- Logistic regressions: what are they for?
- Transforming and interpreting logistic coefficients
- Dealing with nonlinear relationships
- Basic diagnostic statistics
- Collinearity
Half of the module consists of live lectures supplemented by a series of screencasts, which covers the theory and interpretation of multivariate regression; the other half is covered in hands-on lab sessions, in which students will work through practical exercises using statistical software. To get the most out of the course, you should also expect to spend some time between sessions having fun by building your own statistical models.
Prerequisites
Students wishing to take this modules should have
either successfully completed Foundations in Applied Statistics and Basic Quantitative Analysis, including the end-of-module tests
or have had previous training in introductory level statistics (verified by the Skill Check)
Students are also expected to have a working knowledge of Stata. If you have not taken BQA, and have not learned Stata elsewhere, there are three options:
- download the materials from 90-minute Stata and work through them yourself;
- enrol in the SSRMP's Introduction to Stata module.
Module structure
This module is very popular, so we repeat it several times (as three "series"). Each series covers exactly the same material, and is at the same level.
Each series runs over two sessions.
A pre-recorded series of screencasts will be available to students before the module starts, on the module's Moodle page. Please note - you will need to watch these screencasts before the corresponding lecture and lab session.
Michaelmas Term
- DMA 1: 10am-12 noon (Lecture) AND 2-4pm (Lab) on Fris 17 November and 24 November 2023
- DMA 2: 10am-12 noon (Lecture) AND 2-4pm (Lab) on Thus 23 November and 30 November 2023
Lent Term
- DMA 3: 10am-12 noon (Lecture) AND 2-4pm (Lab) on Fri 9 February and Mon 12 February 2024
Software
Assessment
- Weekly online quizzes to check progress
- An end-of-module assessment (open-book online test)
Reading List
Available on the module's Moodle page.
Bookings
Bookings for this module (and all other Basic Statistics Stream modules) should be requested via our dedicated BSS booking page. The page contains a booking request form which goes live each year at the start of Michaelmas Term.