About the Event :

This seminar will discuss how to use survey data more effectively in drawing causal inference. With survey data becoming more accessible, researchers have abundant opportunities to address important academic and public issues. However, improper use of statistical models could mislead us into drawing wrong conclusions. In this seminar, we will discuss the confounding issues for testing a causal relationship and introduce the reduced form models for revealing intervening mechanisms that link between causes and effects. We will also discuss the dummy variable approach for modelling group differences, such as those produced by sex and social classes, and the methods for handling nonlinear effects. Examples will be given to demonstrate the applications of statistical methods in various situations.

Seminar Objectives:

• Facilitate selection of appropriate statistical methods in data analysis 
• Provide a quick review on basic statistical concepts and models of data analysis 
• Illustrate the use of modelling techniques for causal analysis with empirical data 

Facilitator(s) :

Prof Ting Kwok Fai

Professor, Department of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong  

Prof Ting Kwok Fai received his bachelor degree in Sociology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and completed his PhD at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He began his research career in structural equation models and social stratification issues.  Prof Ting founded the Centre for Chinese Family Studies in 2008 and served as its director until 2014. He is an enthusiast for promoting rigorous research.  He has conducting numerous research seminars on survey methodology and statistical methods.

Target Audience :

All VTC Staff

Enquiry :

Ms LUK Wing Yin, Fiona
Project Officer
Tel: 2919-1559
E-mail: fionaluk@vtc.edu.hk

Resources :

Training Materials