The Institute's 2015 Spring Seminar Series features courses on survey research in the first week (May 11-15) and qualitative research methods in the second (May 19-22). In addition, there are Short Courses on Exploratory Factor Analysis (May 11-14), Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Models (May 25-28), the Research Data Centre at York (May 26 and June 2), and introductory courses on SAS (May 13-June 3) and R (May 15-19).

The survey research courses begin with a three-day workshop on best practices in the design and implementation of survey research projects. Registration is for the complete three-day survey design workshop. The first day of the workshop will focus on survey research ethics and questionnaire design. Topics for the second day include more detail on questionnaire design and a brief overview of sampling.  The final day will offer strategies to collect high quality survey data, pretesting questionnaires, and will review overall research strategy.  The fourth and fifth days of this survey research series provide a hands-on introduction to the analysis of survey data.

The qualitative research courses begin the following week with a one-day seminar devoted to various issues in using focus groups as a specific method. On the second day, seminar and workshop activities deal with the interpretation of qualitative data, including textual materials from interviews, focus groups and various other sources. The final two days of this series comprise a two-day workshop introducing the computerized analysis of textual materials using NVivo, the most common software for this type of analysis.

The more statistical courses comprise a four-day workshop on Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by a four-day series on Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Models, and two sessions on the use of the Statistics Canada Research Data Centre at York University. The introductory SAS (Wednesdays) and R (Fridays) courses are designed to equip participants to undertake basic statistical analysis of quantitative data.

These courses provide a hands-on approach to help researchers develop practical skills. They attract an interesting mix of graduate students, researchers from government and NGOs, faculty, and university staff. In our teaching we strive to provide a successful introduction to each topic, while offering new insights for more experienced researchers.

Survey Research Methods (May 11 to May 15, 2015)

Survey Research
Instructor:	Professor Michael Ornstein
Dates:	Monday, May 11 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Times:	9:30am-Noon; 1:00-3:30pm
Location:	Research Data Centre (RDC), Statistics Canada, York Lanes 283B
Enrolment Limit:	25
This course offers an introductory, but sophisticated and complete guide to survey design. The main focus is on questionnaire design and there are detailed reviews of applied survey sampling, survey pretesting and current strategies of data collection. While no previous background is assumed, the course will also benefit more experienced researchers who are self-taught or have not had recent exposure to a systematic discussion of contemporary survey methods. This course will teach you how to conduct a small survey. For questionnaire design, the topics include statistical models of survey questions, the cognitive model of survey response, question formats and response categories, effects of question order, and survey experiments. This discussion of theory and research is brought to bear on the measurement of attitudes, socio-economic characteristics, and reports of personal experience. Three small group exercises will give you practice in question design. The course covers the basic types of samples and their statistical characteristics and key decisions about sample structure and sample size. After a discussion of the methods and usefulness of pretesting, the section on data collection focuses on the differences between survey modes, including response rates and data quality, as well as the ability to sample different populations and strategies for increasing response rates (including incentives). Because these materials are presented sequentially and build upon the basics presented at the beginning of each day, participants need to arrive on time and attend all sessions.

Introduction to Survey Data Analysis
Instructors:	Professor Bryn Greer-Wootten Mirka Ondrack, MSc
Dates:	Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15, 2015
Times:	9:30am-Noon; 1-3:30pm
Location:	Room 2114, Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building
Enrolment Limit:	25
The practical analysis of survey research data is presented in this two-part course. The first day begins with the matrix representation of survey data, including levels of measurement for typical survey questions, the distributional properties of variables and simple descriptive statistics. Subsequently, the construction of scales (e.g., for attitude items) and the fundamentals of statistical inference and hypothesis testing in a survey context are developed. The second day continues with the implementation of a survey analysis design, including the analysis of groups (e.g., gender differences using t-tests; age or regional differentials using the analysis of variance), and extended analyses of contingency tables, the most common form of data representation in surveys. On both days, the morning sessions are used for lectures and demonstrations; afternoon lab sessions replicate procedures used in the morning, for a different data set. To benefit from the course, participants should have some background knowledge in basic statistics or the fundamentals of survey research, as well as some prior knowledge of SPSS. Because these materials are presented sequentially and build upon the basics presented at the beginning of each day, participants need to arrive on time and attend all sessions.

Qualitative Research Methods (May 19 to May 22, 2015)

Conducting Focus Groups for Social Research
Instructor:	John Pollard, MA
Date:	Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Times:	9:30am-Noon; 1:00-3:30pm
Location:	Room 1014, Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building
Enrolment Limit:	25
This seminar is an introduction to focus group research. The morning session deals with the basic features of focus group planning and implementation, including how focus groups are currently being used, strengths and weaknesses of the research method, ethical considerations, and the stages of focus group research. The afternoon session looks at a number of practical aspects of conducting focus groups, including appropriate settings for focus group research, selecting and recruiting participants, developing a discussion guide, recording focus groups, and moderator techniques. There will be an opportunity for participants to discuss focus group research they have conducted or may be considering. The workshop will include some hands-on focus group practice. This presentation is suitable for students, faculty, staff and other researchers who are considering focus group research for the first time, and also for researchers wanting to refresh their knowledge of this method.

Interpreting Qualitative Data: An Overview
Instructors:	Professor Les Jacobs Professor Brenda Jacobs
Date:	Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Times:	9:30am-Noon; 1:00-3:30pm
Location:	Room 1004, Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building
Enrolment Limit:	30
This course offers a broad overview of the major issues in the interpretation and analysis of qualitative social science research materials such as field notes, transcripts of in-depth interviews and focus groups, and documentary and archival information. The focus of the course is on the core processes of qualitative analysis: organizing data, coding and indexing, analytic memos, data display, iterative revision and writing up the final version, including a review of various formats and approaches, the voice of the author and positionality, and ethical and confidentiality issues. Several hands-on exercises will be presented, as well as general information about software aids to analysis. The seminar presents a conceptual orientation to qualitative data analysis from varying disciplines (especially political science, sociology, and law), analytical stances (grounded theory, descriptive analysis, critical discourse analysis and narrative analysis), and areas of substantive focus (health, law and society, human rights, social policy, and education). Class participants are encouraged to discuss their own research projects in the context of issues raised throughout the course, which is well suited to researchers who are relatively new to qualitative analysis and to those wishing to know more about interpretive analysis in general.

Using Computers in Qualitative Analysis: An NVivo Workshop
Instructors:	Pamela Grassau, PhD Stella Park, MA
Dates:	Thursday May 21 and Friday May 22, 2015
Times:	9:30am-Noon; 1:00-3:30pm
Location:	Room 2004, Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building
Enrolment Limit:	25
This hands-on Workshop will provide both a basic and advanced introduction to NVivo 10 for Windows. As this Workshop will focus on how to move forward into your analysis, participants are required to have had some prior experience and/or exposure to qualitative assumptions, theories and methods before attending this Workshop. The overall objective of this two-day (note: both morning and afternoon) course is to provide you with the tools to ensure that the theory and methods guiding your project remain central as you move into NVivo. On Day One you will create a project and learn how to import and work with a wide range of qualitative data formats (e.g. interview transcripts, focus group transcripts, survey spreadsheets, web content, etc.). On Day Two you will learn how to organize and explore your material, use advanced queries, identify relationships, use models and charts to show patterns in your information, and create reports. Time will be provided on both days of the training for participants to work with their own data, and the Instructors will respond to questions related to your specific projects.   Because these materials are presented sequentially and build upon the basics presented at the beginning of each day, participants need to arrive on time and attend both sessions.

SCS Short Courses (May 11 to June 3, 2015)

An Introduction to SAS for Windows
Instructor:	Ryan Barnhart, MA
Dates:	May 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 2015 (Wednesdays)
Time:	1:00-4:30pm
Location:	Steacie Instructional Lab, Room 021 Steacie Science Library
Enrolment Limit:	35
This short course provides an introduction to the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) syntax commands and procedures. We will cover the basics of: reading, transforming, sorting, merging and saving data files in some common formats; selecting cases, and modifying and computing variables; performing some basic statistical procedures and tests such as descriptive statistics, correlations, contingency tables, Chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA and linear regression; creating bar charts and scatter plots; composing simple macros for tailored procedures; and saving output results and work in some common formats. This course is designed for participants with some introductory level statistical knowledge, but no previous experience in using SAS. Please note that while this course will focus on the implementation of introductory statistics in SAS, it is not intended as a review of basic statistics. This short course will get you well underway in using SAS. Please note that the Steacie Instructional Lab [Steacie 021] is accessed by entering Steacie Library and then proceeding to the basement of that Library. Please note that food and drink are not allowed in Steacie Library and the Steacie Instructional Lab. The only exceptions are capped bottles of water (not juice/pop) and spill proof mugs (not cups of coffee). Washrooms are available nearby outside the library. Because these materials are presented sequentially and build upon the basics presented at the beginning of each day, course participants need to arrive on time and attend all four sessions. Click here for the SAS course materials.

An Introduction to R
Instructor:	Alyssa Counsell, MA
Dates:	May 15, 22 and 29, 2015 (Fridays)
Time:	9:00am-1:00pm
Location:	Room 159 (Hebb Lab), Behavioural Sciences Building (BSB)
Enrolment Limit:	20
R is an independent open source statistical software package that is of value for its wide-ranging pre-programmed statistical procedures and capacity for programming tailored statistical analyses. Also, R is invaluable for generating informative high-quality graphics. This course is a step-by-step hands-on introduction to R. No familiarity with R is assumed, but participants will need a basic working knowledge of statistics. Participants will learn how to: 1) install R on their computers; 2) enter, import, and manipulate data; and 3) carry out basic mathematical, statistical and graphical operations and procedures in R. Upon completion of this course, participants will be comfortable with, and able to do, basic statistical work in R. Additionally, they will be familiar with resources for follow-up help and learning about R. Because these materials are presented sequentially and build upon the basics presented at the beginning of each day, course participants need to arrive on time and attend all three sessions. Click here for the current files for the R course.

For York students, the fees are:

Survey Research	$135.60
An Introduction to Survey Data Analysis	$90.40
Conducting Focus Groups for Social Research	$45.20
Interpreting Qualitative Data: An Overview	$45.20
An NVivo Workshop	$90.40
Exploratory Factor Analysis	$90.40
An Introduction to SAS for Windows	$90.40
An Introduction to R	$90.40
Confirmatory Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Models	$90.40
Using Statistics Canada Data at York University	$56.50

For York faculty and staff, the fees are:

Survey Research	$271.20
An Introduction to Survey Data Analysis	$198.88
Conducting Focus Groups for Social Research	$99.44
Interpreting Qualitative Data: An Overview	$99.44
An NVivo Workshop	$198.88
Exploratory Factor Analysis	$198.88
An Introduction to SAS for Windows	$198.88
An Introduction to R	$198.88
Confirmatory Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Models	$198.88
Using Statistics Canada Data at York University	$56.50

Full-time students at other post-secondary institutions,
the fees per course are:

Survey Research	$254.25
An Introduction to Survey Data Analysis	$214.70
Conducting Focus Groups for Social Research	$90.40
Interpreting Qualitative Data: An Overview	$90.40
An NVivo Workshop	$214.70
Exploratory Factor Analysis	$158.20
An Introduction to SAS for Windows	$192.10
An Introduction to R	$192.10
Confirmatory Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Models	$158.20
Using Statistics Canada Data at York University	$90.40

For external participants, the fees per course are:

Survey Research	$497.20
An Introduction to Survey Data Analysis	$395.50
Conducting Focus Groups for Social Research	$180.80
Interpreting Qualitative Data: An Overview	$180.80
An NVivo Workshop	$395.50
Exploratory Factor Analysis	$298.32
An Introduction to SAS for Windows	$431.66
An Introduction to R	$431.66
Confirmatory Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Models	$298.32
Using Statistics Canada Data at York University	$90.40

See the registration form for payment options.

Refunds are available upon three business days' notice prior to the course start date and are subject to an administrative fee.

Please review our policy regarding refunds here.

Registration

You can register for courses by completing the on-line registration form, which is date-stamped.

You can register in person (weekdays, from 10:00am to 12:00pm or 2:00pm to 4:00pm), please see:

Betty Tai
Room 5075
Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building

To register by mail, print a blank registration form, complete, and send to:

Betty Tai
Institute for Social Research
Room 5075
Technology Enhanced Learning Building
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Canada

You may also fax a completed registration form to: 416-736-5749.

Certificate of Completion

Available on request, full attendance is required.

A $5.65 administrative fee applies, for each certificate requested.

Additional Information

Additional information regarding registration, telephone 416-736-5061, weekdays, from 10:00am to 12:00pm or 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Directions to York University (Keele Campus), building and parking lot locations click here. For additional information on parking click here.

Instructors

Ryan Barnhart is a PhD candidate in Psychology at York University with the specialization in Quantitative Methods. His research interests and statistical work have focused on longitudinal data analysis using multilevel modeling and generalized linear multilevel modeling. This work has helped Ryan to develop a multi-platform approach to using statistical software, including SAS, STATA, R and SPSS.

Alyssa Counsell is a second year doctoral candidate in the Quantitative Methods program in Psychology. Her research interests include equivalence testing, robust statistics, measurement invariance, structural equation modeling, and pedagogical methods for improving statistical knowledge in applied psychological research. She is currently an SCS TA with proficiency in both SPSS and R.

David Flora is the Joint Coordinator of the Statistical Consulting Service at ISR, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, Quantitative Methods area, in the Faculty of Health. His research interests involve the development and application of methods for longitudinal data analysis, psychometric analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Michael Friendly is the Joint Coordinator of the Statistical Consulting Service and Professor in the Department of Psychology; Chair, the Quantitative Methods area. In addition to his research interests in psychology, Professor Friendly has broad experience in data analysis, statistics and computer applications. Recent work includes further development of graphical methods for categorical data.

Walter Giesbrecht is the Data Librarian in the Scott Library at York University. He helps students, staff, and faculty to find the data and statistics sources they need for their research and assignments. Often such sources include reference to the Public Use Master Files, but sometimes involve referrals to the Research Data Centre at York.  His research interests cover data and statistical literacy.

Pamela Grassau is a Research Manager with the Palliative Care, Education and Research Group at the Bruyère Research Institute in Ottawa. While Pam’s doctoral work drew on a narrative methodology and utilized a thematic and dialogic analytic approach, she has worked on a number of qualitative, arts-based and mixed-methods research studies, which have drawn on a wide range of research methodologies. 

Bryn Greer-Wootten is Professor Emeritus in Environmental Studies and Geography at York University. In 2002 he joined the staff of the Statistical Consulting Service, where he is currently an Associate Coordinator, and in 2004 was appointed an Associate Director of ISR. He has taught and carried out quantitative and qualitative research, with a particular interest in survey research, especially for environmental and social policy.

Brenda Jacobs is a PhD Candidate in Education at York and a Professor of Early Childhood Education at Seneca College. She is also a Mitacs Accelerate Intern working with Pearson Canada. She completed her BA and BEd at the University of Western Ontario and her MEd at York University. Her doctoral research is focused on pedagogical documentation, self-regulation and literacy development in Full-Day Kindergarten Classrooms in Ontario. Her Mitacs research is focused on the software program, Capturing Learning in the Classroom (CLIC).

Les Jacobs is Professor of Law & Society and Political Science at York, and the Director of ISR.  He is also the Executive Director of the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice, the country's leading pan-Canadian think tank devoted to access to justice issues. He completed his PhD at Oxford University in 1990. His research at the Institute is focused on legal problems in everyday life; growing economic inequality in Canada; and race data collection for traffic stops by the Ottawa Police Service.

Hugh McCague is the Data Analyst and Statistical Consultant at the Institute for Social Research and Statistical Consulting Service at York University. His work and research concentrate on applications of statistics in health and environmental studies, including the use of data at the Statistics Canada Research Data Centre at York University, as well as the on-going public health surveys of the Institute.

Mirka Ondrack is Statistical Consultant Emerita at ISR. She received her Master's degree in Physics from Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. She has held the position of Programmer/Analyst at ISR since 1971. Ms. Ondrack is currently a consultant with the Statistical Consulting Service and also does custom programming and data analysis, consulting in statistical analysis and computing using SPSS and SAS.

Michael Ornstein is an Associate Professor of Sociology at York and was Director of the Institute for Social Research for ten years.  In 2013, Sage published his Companion to Survey Research. Some of his recent research is about socio-economic differences among ethno-racial groups and the distribution of care in families with young children. He is a member of Statistics Canada's Advisory Committee on Labour and Income Statistics.

Stella Park joined ISR in 2014 as a Project Manager. She has over 10 years of experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research projects at the local, provincial, and international levels, on a diverse range of topics, including health, education, employment, and the non-profit sector. At ISR, she is currently managing CAMH’s Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, CAMH's Monitor Survey, and the Second-generation Employment survey.

John Pollard is an Emeritus member of ISR. He received his MA in Sociology from York University, following his BA in French from the University of Toronto and BA (Honours) in Sociology from York.  Mr. Pollard managed research projects at ISR, consulting with faculty, students and staff on questionnaire design, survey administration, and qualitative research methods.  He managed survey projects and focus group studies at the Institute for many years. 

Sara Tumpane is the SC-appointed Analyst at the Statistics Canada Research Data Centre on the York University campus.  Sara is also a PhD Candidate in the Department of Economics at the university, with a research focus on quantitative research in health and environmental economics.

Statistical Consulting Service (SCS)

Consultation is provided by a group of faculty drawn from York University's Departments of Psychology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Geography in conjunction with full-time professional staff at ISR. The faculty and staff have extensive experience with many forms of statistical analysis. Topics for which assistance is available include regression analysis, multivariate analysis, analysis of categorical data, structural equation modeling, factor analysis, multilevel/mixed modeling, survey data and longitudinal data, experimental design, survey sampling, and statistical computing.

Three times a year, the Statistical Consulting Service offers short courses on various aspects of statistics and statistical computing, including regular introductions to the SPSS and SAS statistical packages. Recent course offerings have addressed factor analysis, structural equation modeling, graphical methods for categorical data, introduction to the R programming language, and mixed models.

The Statistical Consulting Service maintains a regular schedule of office hours during the academic year. The Service primarily serves the York University community; for others, consultation is available on a fee-for-service basis. Please go to the Institute's Web site at www.isr.yorku.ca/scs to make appointments online with SCS consultants.

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