The course provides a comprehensive overview about research in inequality and research methods applied. Students will acquire skills to critically assess and discuss research articles in this domain, design and carry out empirical analyses using the statistical software R, and receive an introduction to survey methodology.

The course consists of four blocks:

1. General Introduction
2. Introduction to Programming with R
3. Survey Methodology
4. Topics in Inequality Research
5. Student Presentations

• A good command of using the statistical software R to perform empirical analyses using survey data

• A good understanding of the advantage and disadvantages of survey data for research purposes

• A good understanding of current lines of research in the domain of inequality

• The ability to understand research articles and critically assess research designs and results

Attendance strictly required

The course mixes lectures, practical sessions where students work with data and statistical software packages, as well as student presentations during the final workshop in december.

35% Student presentation of their R project

35% Assignments at home (two R assignments and one survey assignment)

20% Quizzes

10%  Active participation in discussions and attendance

(Approximate Weights)

Enrollment is based on the usual ‘first come – first serve’ principle. If you are registered but not able to participate, de-register via LPIS during the registration period so your place is available to students on the waiting list.

 franziska.disslbacher@wu.ac.at; sofie.waltl@wu.ac.at

Students are required to bring their own laptop (with R or R Studio installed) to all R tutorials; students can rent a notebook at the Library and Learning Center.  

Deadlines are strict; no extensions will be granted.