[R] Announce: Summer Program in Data Analysis (SPIDA) 2012

[Michael Friendly]

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) and its Statistical
Consulting Service (SCS) at York University are pleased to
announce our Summer Program In Data Analysis (SPIDA) for
2012. The Program runs from May 24th to June 1st, 2012.This
year’s Program focuses on the theory and practice of linear
models and mixed [or multilevel] models, as they are applied
to hierarchical and longitudinal data. Please see the
description below for more information.

Please note that the deadline for applications for this year is February 6,
and applications should be made online at

http://www.isr.yorku.ca/spida2012/index.html

-Michael


Summer Program In Data Analysis (SPIDA): May 24th – June
1st, 2012

In its thirteenth season this year, ISR's Summer Program in
Data Analysis focuses on linear models, beginning with
“standard” regression, through generalized linear models and
extending to mixed models, which incorporate two or more
hierarchical levels of data or longitudinal data structures.
Linear models and their extension to generalized linear
models (which unify linear models with other commonly
employed statistical models, such as logistic and Poisson
regression) are the workhorses of quantitative social
research. Linear and generalized linear models additionally
provide the basis for other, more advanced statistical
techniques, including the mixed-effects models that are the
focus of this year's SPIDA.

The first part of SPIDA will introduce participants to the R
statistical computing environment; review linear models,
including their implementation in R, "diagnostic" methods
for checking models fit to data, and the elliptical geometry
of least-squares regression; and introduce the generalized
linear models framework and its implementation in R. This
part of the Program will be taught by Professor John Fox of
McMaster University.

Linear models provide the basis for multilevel or mixed
models, the topic of the second half of SPIDA 2012. Mixed
models are useful for a wide range of data structures and
research questions. They can be used for the analysis of
hierarchical data, for example when students are nested in
classes, which in turn are nested in schools, or when
workers are nested within workplaces. The models provide
simultaneous estimates of the differences between
individuals, between higher-level units and of the way that
those units affect individual differences.

Mixed models can also be used for the analysis of
longitudinal data. Applying multilevel models, temporal
trajectories, for example a sequence of health measurements
over time, are conceptualized as “nested” within individual
survey respondents. The shape of the trajectory reveals how
an individual's health changes over time, in relation to her
or his personal characteristics, such as age, income and
family characteristics. Also it is possible to incorporate
an additional level of “community” effects. This part of
SPIDA will be taught by Professor Georges Monette of York
University.

For the lectures and the daily computer lab sessions in
SPIDA, we will be using R, an independent open source (i.e.,
free) statistical software package with wide-ranging
pre-programmed statistical procedures and capacity for
programming tailored statistical analyses. In addition, R is
invaluable for generating informative high-quality graphics.
SPIDA begins with a one-day Introduction to R by Professor
Fox. No previous knowledge of R is expected of participants.
A non-profit enterprise based in the research community, R
is rapidly becoming an alternative to the major commercial
statistical packages for serious data analysis.
Further details about the Program, including a complete
timetable and course descriptions, as well as information
about program fees, residence accommodations, and the
application process are provided at our web-site:

http://www.isr.yorku.ca/spida2012/index.html

The DEADLINE for applications is February 6th, 2012. Because
of high demand and the limited space available in the
Program, it is necessary to select among applicants.
Selection will be based on applicants' previous experience
in data analysis, as well as their statements of interest,
but an effort will be made to represent all geographic
regions and social science research interests.

Applicants will be informed whether they have secured a
place in the Program by February 20th, 2012.

SPIDA is intended primarily for faculty, researchers and
graduate and undergraduate students at Canadian
universities, researchers and policy analysts in both public
and not-for-profit organizations, and data librarians. Under
the new funding arrangements for 2012, however, applications
are invited from interested persons outside Canada.

Full-time students are eligible for a modest fee bursary.

For further inquiries about the Program, please contact Dr.
Bryn Greer-Wootten via spida at yorku.ca.


-- 
Michael Friendly     Email: friendly at yorku.ca
Professor, Psychology Dept.
York University      Voice: 416 736-5115 x66249 Fax: 416 736-5814
4700 Keele Street    http://www.math.yorku.ca/SCS/friendly.html
Toronto, ONT  M3J 1P3 CANADA