A hands-on introduction to Agent-Based Modelling for Social Scientists: Exploring Complex and Dynamic Social Processes

Thursday 28 February - Friday 1 March 2013

Humanities Bridgeford Street, University of Manchester

The Institute for Social Change, the Cathie Marsh Centre for Census and Survey Research and the Centre for Policy Modelling will be running a 2-day introduction to agent-based simulation workshop, funded by methods@manchester. The course will be suitable for people without any experience of computer programming, but is particularly aimed at post-graduate social researchers, e.g. PhD students, post-docs, lecturers.

 

This workshop will introduce participants to the modelling of dynamic social processes, such as group membership, influence, imitation, collaboration and innovation, through a series of agent-based simulations. Participants will gain understanding of the simulation of social processes by exploring working simulation models and by adapting these models to describe different types of process.

 

There is no charge to attend the course, which comprises the two-day workshop and refreshments but not meals or accommodation. Places are strictly limited so if you wish to register for a place please book on or before Friday 4 January 2013 . You must include in your application a clear and concise statement of how you anticipate your research will benefit from attendance.

 

For more information and to book a place please go to www.methods.manchester.ac.uk/events/2013-02-28/

Webinar - Employment and the Labour Market Data: A Brief Tour

Monday 24 September 2012
Online, 15:00-16:00

Short on time but want to know more about data available to research employment and the labour market?

This free hour-long webinar on individual-level data from government surveys and censuses will introduce you to the main datasets and their use. The session will be presented by Jen Buckley and Jo Wathan of ESDS Government, it will cover basic issues for new users and provide an opportunity to ask questions from your own desk.

The webinar is free to attend but registration is required. Please book a place at www.ccsr.ac.uk/esds/events/2012-09-24/booking.html. Queries are welcome at govsurvey@esds.ac.uk

Data Horizons Questionnaire

This survey is an exploratory study of social science data users and those involved in data support services.

As part of the ESRC funded Digital Social Research programme, a team at Manchester University is conducting a scoping review of the changes in the data environment and the innovations that will be necessary to use social science data in the future.

Alongside the well documented expansion in the quantity of data, categorical shifts in the type and form of that data are happening and will continue to do so. Understanding the form that these shifts will take in the short, medium and long term, what the resultant data will look like and how we might use them is vital for the planning and development of the social science resource base and for the training of the next generation of social science researchers.

Please complete this short scoping questionnaire. https://selectsurveys.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=DATA_HORIZONS

All responses will be treated confidentially.

It should only take 15 minutes to complete and your input is very important.

You will also be entered into the prize draw for £50 of book vouchers.

Using Census Microdata

29 February 2012
Humanities Bridgeford Street Building, University of Manchester

Description:  This event will provide users with an introduction to two types of census microdata; SARs data which takes a sample of census respondents at a single time and longitudinal data which follows a sample of respondents over time.

During the day participants will hear about the unique and key features of the data, how they compare with other datasets, how they can used to answer research questions and get the opportunity to use both types of data in hands-on sessions.

Organiser/Chair: Rachel Stuchbury works within the Centre for Longitudinal Study Information and User Support (CeLSIUS) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Where she is extending the distance-based learning and web resources and also provides advice and data extracts to users of the Longitudinal Studies.

Jo Wathan supports the Samples of Anonymised Records at the Centre for Census and Survey Research at the University of Manchester. She has been a member of the SARs team since 2001 where she has worked on setting up, documenting, supporting and promoting use of the SARs

Level: Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)

Cost: The fee is: 1. £30 - For UK registered postgraduate students 2. £60 - For staff at UK academic institutions, ESRC funded researchers and registered charity organisations 3. £220 - For all other participants. All fees include event materials, lunch, morning and afternoon tea. They do not include travel and accommodation costs.

Website and registration: http://store.southampton.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=5&prodid=38&deptid=8&catid=23

Contact:

Jacqui Thorp

Training Administrator
National Centre for Research Methods
University of Southampton
Tel: 023 8059 4069
Email: jmh6@soton.ac.uk