Quantitative methods: Socioeconomic inequalities and population studies, 7.5 credits

Contents

The course provides an introduction to quantitative methods and their application within population studies, with a focus on critical perspectives on socioeconomic conditions, environment and gender. The course addresses statistical methods, demographic measures and the analysis of population data. Students gain practical experience of working with population data, carrying out statistical analyses, and interpreting and critically appraising results.

The course covers, among other things:

• Demographic concepts, measures and data sources within population studies

• Statistical methods for the analysis of demographic data

• Visualisation and presentation of demographic data

• Interpretation of demographic change from a historical and contemporary perspective

• Critical analysis of demographic data with a focus on socioeconomic conditions, environment and gender

• Ethical considerations when working with population data

The course places particular emphasis on the interpretation and communication of results, as well as a critical understanding of the possibilities and limitations of quantitative methods in the analysis of societal change.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Account for fundamental demographic concepts and measures within population studies

• Account for quantitative methods and their application within social science and demographic research

• Interpret and reflect on results from quantitative analyses of socioeconomic, environmental and gender-related factors in population studies

Skills and abilities

• Apply quantitative methods for demographic analysis

• Present and communicate demographic data and analytical results in an appropriate manner

• Analyse relationships between demographic processes and socioeconomic, environmental and gender-related factors

• Independently plan and carry out a demographic analysis

• Argue for methodological choices and reflect critically on their own and others' analytical decisions

• Evaluate and discuss the limitations and ethical aspects of quantitative methods within population studies

Judgement and approach

• Critically examine and evaluate quantitative studies within demographic and social science research

• Identify and problematise how quantitative data and methods can illuminate societal challenges related to sustainability, inequality and gender

• Orally discuss and defend methodological choices and interpretations of demographic data

• Orally discuss and defend their own methodological choices and interpretations of demographic data

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally

recognised university. Specific entry requirements are 90 ECTS in social science and proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English6/level 2.

Form of instruction

Instruction is delivered at a distance and combines various forms of online teaching, practical exercises and student-active components. The course emphasises active learning and critical reflection on methodological choices.

Examination modes

The course is examined through:

• Individual assignments focusing on basic demographic calculations and visualisations

• A concluding individual assignment in which a demographic research question is analysed using quantitative methods and presented in the form of a short report

• An in-depth examination component (Pass with Distinction assignment) in which the student demonstrates advanced analytical and methodological ability

For each component, one of the grades Pass with Distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd) is awarded. A passing result requires that all examination components are passed. For the grade Pass with Distinction, the in-depth examination component must be passed. Oral follow-up of written work may occur.