OVERVIEW

Provide statistical tools relevant to specific applications and the experience of on-field experts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student will be able to

• recognize the degree of applicability of the analysis techniques learned
• recognize the main problems of data analysis in the application contexts listed below
• identify the most suitable methods of analysis
• carry out the analyzes with the appropriate IT supports
• interpret the results of the analyzes and evaluate their validity
• summarize the results in a semi-professional report, interpret the results obtained

Measurement models in psychometrics (3 credits)
Provide an introduction to the theory of psychometrics for statisticians and also provides computer tools (R software) to perform simple basic psychometric analyses.

Demography of Italy and the world: themes, data and measures (1 cfu)
Provide an introduction to demographics to be able to communicate demographic data to the average citizen.

Risk analysis in banking 
Present the main statistical models used by the risk manager to measure the various risks in the banking system.

Statistical analysis of complex networks
Provide an introduction to methods, models, and computer tools (R software) for the statistical analysis of relational data.

Multiple hypothesis tests
Provide the essential tools to understand the problem of the multiplicity of statistical tests and its consequences, know different error measures in the case of Multiple Hypothesis Testing, know different statistical techniques commonly used in the case of Multiple Hypothesis Testing.

Other seminars on other applied aspects of mathematical statistics, could be presented by experts such as data scientists working in companies or public bodies.

PREREQUISITES

Fundamentals of inferential statistics and basic R.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of traditional lectures and laboratory sessions.

Having a predominantly seminary character and involving external teachers, these activities are reserved for at students who can regularly attend lessons.

Those who are interested but unable to attend regularly must agree with the teachers on the methods of participation before including these activities in the study plan.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Psychometrics

• Theory of psychological variables: definition and operationalization
• Psychological test design and question wording
• Psychometric scaling models
• Assessment of the validity and reliability of a test

Examples of parsing with R will be shown (packages 'psych', 'lavaan', 'mirt')

Demography The course is based on the careful reading and analysis of a popular volume heavily based on data. Gathering, analyzing and presenting data to help organize society to turn opportunities into new realities. The reference text to be analyzed has changed over the years.

Risk analysis in the banking sector
In the current banking context characterized by an increasingly competitive market and complex regulations, the Risk Management activity plays a fundamental and strategic role. Our goal is to show how this feature helps banks manage risk. We will start with a description of the main functions of a bank and move on to the use of statistical models to measure the level of various risks.

Statistical analysis of complex networks In order to provide participants with a general understanding of statistical methods for the analysis of complex networks, two families of statistical models will be introduced: exponential models for random graphs and latent variable models.

Multiple Hypothesis Testing
Statistical tests. Significance level, probability of false negative, power.
Multiplicity of tests and consequences. Cherry picking.
Error measurements (FWER, FDR). Correction methods for Multiple Hypothesis Testing.
Examples in clinical research and FDA guidelines.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Psicometria
Chiorri, C. (2023). Teoria e tecnica psicometrica. Milano: McGraw-Hill
Ulteriore materiale (slides, codici di R) verrà condiviso online dal docente.

Demografia (il testo sarà precisato in seguito)
Dispense del docente.
Gianpiero Dalla Zuanna e Guglielmo Weber (2012). Cose da non credere. Il senso comune alla prova dei numeri. Laterza. 
Gianpiero Dalla Zuanna e Stefano Allievi (2015). Tutto quello che non vi hanno mai detto sull'immigrazione, Laterza.
Maria Castiglioni e Gianpiero Dalla Zuanna  (2018). La famiglia è in crisi. Falso! Laterza. 

Analisi del rischio in ambito bancario
Dispense e codici R forniti dai docenti.

Analisi statistica di reti complesse
Dispense e codici R forniti dai docenti.

Test d’ipotesi multiple
- Dmitrienko, D’Agostino, 2013, Traditional multiplicity adjustment methods in clinical trials. Stat Med 32
- Goeman J, Solari A, 2014, Multiple Hypothesis Testing in Genomics. Stat Med 33
- FDA, 2017, Multiple Endpoints in Clinical Trials. Draft Guidance for Industry. UCM536750

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CARLO CHIORRI (President)

FRANCESCO PORRO

EVA RICCOMAGNO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The class will start according to the academic calendar.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Psychometrics: Written and oral discussion
Demography: Questionnaire with closed and open questions 
Official Statistics: Questionnaire with closed and open questions and oral discussion
Risk analysis in the banking sector: Questionnaire with closed and open questions and group project

The final grade is the weighted average of the grades of the various parts. The weights are the hours (equivalently the number of credits) of frontal teaching.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Psychometrics: The student will be provided with a dataset on which to perform some of the analyzes presented during the course. On the basis of what has been learned and from the study material, in the written essay the student is asked to create, interpret and comment on the results and highlight any critical issues. In the oral discussion, any issues in the written essay will be commented on and the student's preparation on psychometric theory will be investigated.
Demography: the student's ability to find precise information and data in a complex popular text, as well as identifying the statistical methodology used for the analyzes reported in the text.
Official Statistics: the student's ability to recognize official data and its uses.
Risk analysis in the banking sector: the ability to apply the mathematical/statistical techniques learned, interpret the results, recognize their value and reliability.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.