ANALISI DEI DATI

The course aims to provide the methodological tools needed to derive actionable information from a set of data. Particular attention will be paid to the process of “creating” data, beginning with a critical examination of data sources and the construction of indicators, with specific reference to those used in public administration. Special emphasis will also be placed on the principles underlying the design of a sample survey, from the selection of units of analysis (sampling) to the collection of opinions, judgements, and other forms of feedback (questionnaire design). Finally, the course will provide the basic tools required to conduct social network analysis and textual analysis.

The first module will focus on the design of a statistical survey, starting with an analysis of official national and international statistical sources. Particular attention will be paid to sampling strategies and questionnaire design, including an introduction to scaling techniques. The second module will explore the concept of the indicator in greater depth, focusing specifically on topics related to the construction of composite indicators. The third module will cover the most commonly used non-parametric tests in the social sciences, as well as provide an introduction to multivariate analysis.

Students attending classes will take three intermediate assessments, one at the end of each module. To take a subsequent assessment, students must have passed the previous one. First assessment: presentation of a research project addressing all methodological aspects, beginning with the sampling design. Second assessment: conducted in a multimedia laboratory and involving the exclusive use of Excel or R. Third assessment: the student will agree with the instructor on an analytical technique covered during the course and submit a paper, which will then be discussed in class.

 Students not attending classes 

The examination will be entirely practical and will consist of four exercises and eight open-ended questions covering the entire syllabus. Students will have 90 minutes to complete the assessment. The examination will take place in a computer laboratory and will involve the exclusive use of Excel.

 Assessment criteria

The grade is awarded according to the following scale:

 Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: The student has not understood the subject, even in general terms. Analysis and synthesis skills: Completely lacking.

Use of references: Inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: The student understands the subject only in broad and vague terms, with significant gaps and substantial errors.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Barely adequate.

Use of references: Absent or minimally appropriate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: General knowledge of the subject, with some gaps but no significant inaccuracies.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Adequate.

Use of references: Adequate, but not sufficiently developed.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: More specific knowledge, although with some inaccuracies.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Good. The topics are presented coherently, with a limited but evident critical perspective.

Use of references: Goes somewhat beyond standard references.

27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Very good knowledge, without inaccuracies.

Analysis and synthesis skills: The student demonstrates considerable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references: The student has explored the topics in depth and is able to provide examples that go beyond the material covered in the assessment.

30–30 cum laude

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Excellent knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Excellent analytical and synthesis skills, together with a considerable capacity for critical evaluation.

Use of references: Significant further exploration of the topics.