GSS Statistical Training Programme · 2016. 6. 21. · Geography 15 Sample Design and Estimation 15,16 ANOVA 17 Simple Linear Regression 18 Multiple Linear Regression 18 Introduction

Further informationStatistical Training Unit AdministratorRoom 1127Government BuildingsCardiff RoadNewportNP10 8XG

Email: [email protected]

1Statistical Training Unit - Prospectus 2014-15

GSS Statistical Training Programme

September 2014 - July 2015

GSS Stat training program Oct 2014.indd Spread 1 of 12 - Pages(24, 1)GSS Stat training program Oct 2014.indd Spread 1 of 12 - Pages(24, 1) 07/10/2014 10:4607/10/2014 10:46

2 Statistical Training Unit - Prospectus 2014-15

WelcomeThe GSS Statistical Training Programme is a series of short courses offered by experienced methodological experts from the Offi ce for National Statistics (ONS).

Aim of the programmeThe GSS Statistical Training Programme delivers training on the main methods used in Offi cial Statistics. The courses provide a useful overview of the statistical techniques used by statisticians and provide information on how and why to choose the most appropriate methodology. All courses are delivered by experts within the fi eld and are coordinated by the Statistical Training Unit (STU) at the ONS.

STU aims to provide a wide selection of courses that meet the needs of staff who are involved with the collection, analysis or dissemination of offi cial statistics. The aim is to provide statistical courses that strengthen and/or refresh professional skills and knowledge.

ContentsQuality and Statistics 4

Introduction to National Acounts 5

Administrative Data 6

Record Linkage 6

Introduction to Questionnaire Design and Testing 7

Statistical Disclosure Control 7

Editing and Imputation 8

Digital Dissemination 10

Data Visualisation 10

Randomised Control Trials 11

Hypothesis Testing 11

Index Numbers 12

Seasonal AdjustmentX-13-ARIMA-SEATS 14

Small Area Estimation 14

Geography 15

Sample Design and Estimation 15,16

ANOVA 17

Simple Linear Regression 18

Multiple Linear Regression 18

Introduction to Logistic Regression 19Generalised Linear Models 19

RSS Ordinary Certifi cate 20,21

Course Timetable Information 23


The Statistical Training Unit (STU) is pleased to offer the GSS Statistical Training Programme as part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The courses aim to deliver training in the main methods used in offi cial statistics. The courses provide a useful overview of the statistical techniques used by statisticians and provide information on how and why to choose the most appropriate methodology.

All courses are delivered by experienced methodological experts and are delivered at various ONS sites: Newport, Titchfi eld and London.

STU aims to to provide a wide selection of courses that meet the needs of staff who are involved with the collection, analysis or dissemination of offi cial statistics. The aim is to provide statistical courses that strengthen and refresh professional skills and knowledge.

GSS Statistical Training Programme Course timetable information 2014/15

For more information and course timetables please visit website:https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/people-and-careers/courses-and-events/

statistical-training-unit/


22 Statistical Training Unit - Prospectus 2014-15 3Statistical Training Unit - Prospectus 2014-15

How to apply• Complete the course applicaton form shown on the GSS Civil

Service Website and email to• [email protected], or• Telephone 01633 455627


4 Statistical Training Unit – Prospectus 2014-15

Quality and Statistics – Level 1

Aims

This course aims to introduce some of the quality considerations that are appropriate in the production of offi cial statistics.

Objectives

Through aligning with specifi c aspects of the Code of Practice and sharing recent guidance from the GSS Statistical Policy and Standards Committee, course participants will gain:

• an understanding of the importance of quality,

• knowledge in the practical application of quality and how to implement it, and

• an overview of relevant guidance and tools.

Duration: 1 day

Entry requirements

Provides an introduction and understanding of the subject – no prior knowledge required.

Degree in maths/statistics or a good working knowledge of the subject is pre-requisite of a Level 2 course.

When to apply

There is no formal closing date for applications, but early application is recommended to secure a place on the course.

Costs

0.5 day course £74

1 day course £111

1.5 day course £160

2 day course £197

0.5 day course £79

1 day course £121

1.5 day course £170

2 day course £207

N

L1

L1

L2

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

N T

L

T


Unit 3

Condensing, Presenting and Summarising Data

• Condense, present and summarise raw data

• Condense, present and summarise frequency data

• Condense, present and summarise grouped data

Unit 4

Time Series and Index Numbers

• Drawing a time chart

• The components of a time series

• The most appropriate model to fi t to a time series and how to fi t it

• What an index number is and why it is used

• Differences between price and quantity indices

• How to calculate different indices

Unit 5

Regression and Correlation

• What regression is and why it is used

• Calculating and interpreting the values of the regression line

• How to draw a scatter diagram and describe the correlation between

• the variables

• Interpreting correlation coeffi cients

Unit 6

Probability

• The defi nition of probability

• How to calculate probabilities

• Mutually & non-mutually exclusive events

• Independent & dependent events

• Venn and tree diagrams

• Conditional probabilities



RSS Ordinary Certifi cate

Target audience

Staff who wish to develop their skills and understanding of specifi csurvey processes and/or want to obtain a recognised qualifi cation.Applicants should have at least a GCSE in Mathematics.

Course outline

The RSS Ordinary course is delivered between September and May eachyear. Distance learning is available for those unable to attend aweekly class.

Classes take place ot ONS offi ces in Newport and Titchfi eld

For those with more specifi c trainingneeds, one-off units will be available on a ‘fi rst come, fi rst served’ basis.

For further information please email: [email protected]

Unit 1

Research Methods, Data Collection and Questionnaire Design

• Distinction between observational and experimental studies

• The origin, use and interpretation of published or administrative data

• Overview of offi cial statistics

• Different types of surveys

• Design of a simple questionnaire

Unit 2

Sampling Frames, Methods and Errors

• Defi nitions of a population and a sampling frame

• Differences between random and non-random sampling

• The different methods for selecting a sample

• Types of non-sampling errors

5Statistical Training Unit – Prospectus 2014-15

Introduction to National Accounts – Level 1

Aims

The aims of this course are to introduce participants:

• to national accounts terminology,

• the division of the economy into sectors, and

• the different approaches to measuring Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

• have a basic understanding of the language of national accounts,

• be able to list the characteristics of the sectors of the UK, and

• describe the three approaches to measuring GDP.

Duration: 1 day

NL1 Locations

The courses will run at the Offi ce for National Statistics in Newport, Titchfi eld and London.Each location is represented by a colour key seen below and throughout the programme.

NEWPORT

TITCHFIELD

LONDON

N

T

L



L1

Administrative Data – Level 1

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

• consider the differences between survey and administrative data,

• highlight some of the challenges to be overcome when linking different datasets, and

• provide an insight to the legal issues around acquiring administrative data.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• explain what is meant by the term administrative data,

• describe the benefi ts and limitations of using administrative data,

• explain the advantages of using administrative data in the production of social and demographic statistics, and

• describe the principles behind matching and linking microdata.

Duration: 1 day

Record Linkage – Level 1

Aims

The aim of the course is to identify which records in two different sets of data relate to the same individuals (ie matching or record linkage).

Objectives

Through practical application of particular matching methods, participants will be able to understand:

• why record linkage is not straightforward,

• the desirable qualities of matching variables,

• how to make the task manageable with very large datasets,

• the different types of matching available,

• clerical matching and how it fi ts into a wider matching context, and

• striking the balance between fi nding matches and not making too many false matches.

Duration: 1 day

L1 NT T L


TNL1

Introduction to Logistic Regression

Aims

The aims of this session are to:

• revise the use of logistic regression,

• assess model fi t and interpretation of model parameters using odds ratios, and

• predicted probabilities, marginal effects.

Alternative link functions, for example probit, will be discussed but not in detail.

Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will gain a refresher in the application and interpretation of logistic regression.

Duration: 0.5 day

Generalised Linear Models (GLMs) – Level 1

Aims


• review the GLM framework

• introduce specifi c models for different outcome variables, including count variables, ordinal variables, and nominal variables, and

• interpret model parameters and assess model fi t.

Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will gain a refresher in the application and interpretation of GLMs.

Duration: 1 day

TNL1 LL



Simple Linear Regression

Aims


• revise the use of simple linear regression,

• assess the fi t of the model,

• test and interpret the estimated model, and

• discuss the use of residual analysis to validate model assumptions.

Transforming the data to improve model fi t will also be introduced but not in detail.

Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will gain a refresher in the application and interpretation of simple linear regression.

Duration: 0.5 day

Multiple Linear Regression

Aims


• revise approaches to building a multiple regression model, including stepwise procedures, handling categorical variables, non-linear relationships, and interactions,

• select and interpret suitable models, and

• discuss the different roles of modelling.

Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will gain a refresher in the application and interpretation of multiple linear regression.

Duration: 0.5 day

TNL1 TNL1L L


Introduction to Questionnaire Design And Testing – Level 1

Aims

The course aims to introduce you to data collection methodology and the role of ONS’ Data Collection Methodology branch in the survey development process.

Objectives

The course includes the following topics, covering both basic principles and some more advanced issues:

• sources of non-sampling error, focusing on measurement error and non-response error,

• modes of data collection including mixed modes,

• questionnaire and question design principles, including different types of questions,

• measurement error including mode effects, and potential ways to mitigate them,

• qualitative and quantitative methods for developing and testing questions, including expert review, and

• cognitive question testing.

You will have the opportunity to try out for yourselves some of the work that DCM does through interactive exercises.

Duration: 1 day

Statistical Disclosure Control – Level 1

Aims

The aims of the course are to introduce participants to:

• the potential disclosure risks, and • the statistical disclosure control

methods available.

Objectives

By the end the course, participants will be able to understand:

• what is meant by statistical disclosure risk and statistical disclosure control,

• why there is a need to protect data against disclosure,

• how to recognise situations that bring about statistical disclosure risk,

• the disclosure techniques and tools used to protect data, and

• the GSS standards for disclosure control.

Duration: 1 day

L1 L1N NT TL L



N

Editing and Imputation for Business Surveys – Level 1

Aims

The aims of this course are to introduce participants working with business surveys to:

• Editing – the process of detecting and correcting errors in business survey response data, and

• imputation – the process of estimating for non-respondents to business surveys.

Objectives

By the end of the course participants will be able to understand:

• the vital importance of editing and imputation, and

• how editing and imputation methods are implemented in practice.

Duration: 1 day

Editing and Imputation for Business and Social Surveys – Level 2

Aims

The aims of this course are to introduce participants to the range of editing and imputation methods available, and factors relating to their suitability in business and social surveys.

Objectives

Through a mixture of theory and examples, participants will be gain an understanding of:

• the different data capture methods used by ONS, and errors that can arise at data collection,

• the methods to effi ciently identify and correct for errors in business and social surveys,

• different levels of non-response, and how to deal with missing values, and

• the Editing & Imputation strategy implemented by ONS, and the reasons for the methods applied.

Duration: 1 day

L1 N L2


ANOVA

Aims


• revise the use of ANOVA and explore differences in means across factors,

• consider the key assumptions behind ANOVA,

• interpret basic ANOVA output, and

• discuss additional analyses that can help the understanding of results.

Extensions to ANCOVA and MANOVA are introduced but not in detail.

Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will gain a refresher in the application and interpretation of ANOVA.

Duration: 0.5 day

LTNL1



Sample Design and Estimation for Social Surveys – Level 2

Aims

The aim is for participants to explore aspects of sampling and estimation that are particularly applicable to social (household) surveys. A parallel course is available for business surveys.

Objectives

Through practical application of the methods participants will understand:

• the principles and practicalities behind sampling and estimation used within offi cial statistics,

• when to use different sampling strategies, with particular emphasis on multi-stage sampling,

• how sample data can be used to estimate parameters of interest, with emphasis on weighting strategies that account for non-response and allow calibration to known population totals, and

• how to assess the quality of sample estimates, with attention paid to sampling errors and the use of design factors.

Duration: 1 day

Sample Design and Estimation for Business Surveys – Level 2Aims

The aim is for participants to explore aspects of sampling and estimation that are particularly applicable to business (or establishment) surveys. A parallel course is available for social surveys.

Objectives

Through practical application of the methods participants will understand:

• the principles and concepts behind sampling and estimation used within offi cial statistics,

• when to use different sampling strategies, with particular emphasis on stratifi cation,

• how sample data can be used to estimate parameters of interest, with emphasis on estimation methods that make best use of other available information, and

• how to assess the quality of sample estimates, including the impact of the sample design and estimator.

Duration: 1 day

NL2 NL2L




T

Digital Dissemination – Level 1

Aims


• the use of the Internet and how we disseminate statistics,

• how we can learn from common practices within the commercial world to help us disseminate better,

• the challenges specifi c to statistical output, and

• the skills needed to take full advantage of the web.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will gain an understanding in:

• why, what and how we disseminate, and

• how we will disseminate in the future.

Duration: 1 day

Data Visualisation – Level 1

Aims

The aims of the course are to introduce course participants to:

• some of the problems that people may have in perceiving the information encoded in a table and/or graph, and

• options for overcoming these problems.

Objectives

By the end of course, participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental design strategies needed to overcome the problems with the perception of those reading statistical tables and graphs.

Duration: 1 day

NL1 TNL1L L


Geography – Level 1

Aims

The aims of the course are to introduce course participants to:

• The importance and use of geography in the production of statistics, and

• The generic elements of geographic knowledge, understanding and skills needed for analysis and research.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will gain an understanding of:

• The complexity of statistical geography in the UK,

• Basic spatial statistical techniques,

• Interpreting statistical maps,

• the application of the Geography policy for National Statistics, and

• ONS’s Open Geography portal, resources and tools.

Duration: 1 day

Sample Design and Estimation for Social Surveys – Level 1

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce participants, who work in social surveys, to the methods used in sample design and estimation.

Objectives

Through practical application of the methods discussed, course participants will be able to understand:

• sources of non-sampling error, focusing on measurement error and nonresponse error,

• modes of data collection including mixed modes,

• questionnaire and question design principles, including different types of questions, sources of measurement error including mode effects, and potential ways to mitigate them, and

• qualitative and quantitative methods for developing and testing questions, including expert review and cognitive question testing.

Duration: 2 days

L1 T L1 N



Seasonal Adjustment X-13-ARIMA-SEATS – Level 2

Aims

The aims of this course are to introduce course participants to:

• the theory behind seasonal adjustment and the seasonal adjustment process, and

• the US Census Bureau’s software X-13-ARIMA-SEATS.

Objectives

a mixture of theaory and the practical applicaton of X-13-ARIMA-SEATS, course participants will gain an understanding of:

• the theory underpinning seasonal adjustment,

• how to perform basic seasonal adjustment, and

• how to analyse your own time series data.

Duration: 1.5 days

Small Area Estimation – Level 2

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce participants to:

• the methodology applied to small area estimates, and

• when and how small area estimation methods should be applied.

Objectives

Through a mixture of theory and practical application, by the end of the course, participants will be able to combine and model survey data with other datasets, eg census/admin data and understand:

• concepts and principles of a variety of methods,

• which methods are most commonly used and why,

• how different methods are applied, and

• techniques used in Offi cial Statistics.

Duration: 1 day

N TL2 L2


Randomised Control Trials – Level 2

Aims

The aims of the course are to introduce participants to the theory behind Randomised Control Trials and to give an introduction to good practice guidelines for their practical application.

Objectives

Through the use of examples and theory, participants will gain an understanding of:

• what Randomised Control Trials are,

• how they work, and

• the benefi ts and limitations of their application.

Duration: 1 day

Hypothesis Testing – Level 2

Aims

The aim of the course is to give participants an overview of Hypothesis Testing and its application within offi cial statistics.

Objectives

Through the use of examples and theory, course participants will gain:

• an understanding of the basics of hypothesis testing,

• a working knowledge of statistical power,

• a toolkit of appropriate tests and information on when to use them, and

• an overview of more complex hypothesis testing problems and knowledge of how to deal with them.

Duration: 1 day

NNL2 L2T TL



Index Numbers – Level 1

Aims

The aim of this workshop is to introduce participants to the theory behind index numbers and the techniques used in practice.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will have an understanding of the following topics:

• the uses of index numbers,

• value and value share,

• Laspeyres and Paasche indices,

• the choice of index formula, and

• defl ation and referencing.

Duration: 1 day

Index Numbers – Level 2

Aims


• The theoretical background to index numbers

• Index number techniques used in practice, and

• Aspects of the Consumer Price Index.

Objectives

By the end the course, participants will be able to understand:

• Value and value share

• Laspeyres and Paasche indices

• Understanding the Laspeyres-Paasche difference

• The choice of index formula

• Domains and aggregation

• Defl ation, referencing and linking,

• Aspects of the Consumer Prices Index, and

• Wider uses of index numbers.

Duration: 1.5 days

NL1 NL2



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GSS Statistical Training Programme · 2016. 6. 21. · Geography 15 Sample Design and Estimation 15,16 ANOVA 17 Simple Linear Regression 18 Multiple Linear Regression 18 Introduction