Statistical and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute
19 T.
W. Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 14006
Research Triangle Park, NC
27709-4006
Tel: 919.685.9350 FAX: 919.685.9360
[email protected]
2004-05
Program on
Latent Variables in the Social Sciences (LVSS)
Seminar Course
An Overview of Latent Variable Models in the Social Sciences
Instructors: Kenneth Bollen (UNC and SAMSI) and Jane Zavisca (SAMSI)
Class Time: Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Class Location: NISS Building, Room 104 (directions)
Class begins September 16, 2004
University Listings:
Duke: STA 293.06
NC State: MA/ST 810I.005
UNC: Sociology 326, Section 5
This course provides an overview of latent variable models that are common in the social sciences. It is designed to introduce students to a variety of statistical models that make use of latent or unobserved variables, including factor analysis, latent trait and latent class models, and structural equation models. The instructors and guest speakers will lecture on the various models and take student questions, followed by class discussion and/or student presentations. Technical and substantive readings will further explain the models and provide examples of concrete applications.
In addition to attending lectures and reading background materials, students taking the course for credit will apply one of the types of models covered in the course to a data set of their choice, and make a 15 minute presentation on their findings to the class.
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