Mainstreaming Quantitative Methods –
Opportunities and Challenges
With the establishment of fifteen Q-Step Centres across the UK, teaching and learning in
quantitative methods has entered a new and exciting phase. A step change in attitudes and
practices is underway that will change the nature of social science teaching and also the kind of
social science future graduates will do. The first step on any journey is the most important, but
also possibly the easiest. In the next few years, the Q-Step Centres and quantitative methods
teaching will face many challenges of pedagogy, resources, long term commitment and even
opposition to the project itself. The first annual Cardiff Q-Step Centre Conference will begin to
focus on some of these challenges and our speakers will discuss a range of issues – some
controversial, that will face us.
We would like to invite you to participate in the conference which will take place on September
18th at Cardiff University in the Council Chamber, Main Building. This event is free, but
places are limited and registration is required. To register or for more details please complete the
registration form below and e-mail qstep@cardiff.ac.uk
Order of Proceedings (running times subject to change)
10:00 - Refreshments and registration
10:30 - Welcome and Introduction. Professor Malcolm Williams, Director Cardiff Q-Step Centre.
10:45 - Sharon Witherspoon, Director of Nuffield Foundation, Making numbers normal: is Q-Step
enough?
11:15 - Professor Patrick Sturgis, University of Southampton, Director, National Centre for Research
Methods, Why should undergraduate social science students choose quantitative methods?
11:45 - Professor Mike Savage, London School of Economics, The Great British Class Survey as a
methodological experiment
12:15 - Keynote Address. Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal of University of Aberdeen, Some
challenges for Mainstreaming Quantitative Methods Teaching.
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 - Professor John MacInnes, University of Edinburgh, ESRC Strategic Advisor on Quantitative
Methods Training, Theory, Faith and Evidence.
14:45 - Dr Geoff Payne, Newcastle University, Clapping with One Hand? Sociology’s response to the
National Strategy for Quantitative Skills Consultation.
15:30 – Refreshment break
16:00 - Panel discussion
16:45-18:00 - Wine Reception
Mainstreaming Quantitative Methods –
Opportunities and Challenges
Conference Booking Form
Delegate Details
Surname:
First name:
Title:
Organisation:
Address:
Postcode:
Email address:
Telephone number:
Delegate Requirements
Please advise us if you have any specific dietary/access requirements:
Please advise us if you require car parking for September 18th 2014
Further Information:
If you require any further information or help, please contact:
Cardiff Q-Step Team
Glamorgan Building,
Cardiff University,
Cardiff,
CF10 3WT
Tel: (+44) 02920 870106
Email: qstep@cardiff.ac.uk