Bayesian Data Analysis Its Applications

AY2018/2019 Semester 1

This course will introduce the theoretical foundation of cutting-edge data analytic techniques and its applications to communication research, focusing on Bayesian statistics. Its theoretical part will cover the philosophical discourses over empirical research, basic probability theory, the logic of hypothesis testing, and statistical inference and learning from data. Two special topics include the applications of Bayesian statistics to machine learning techniques. An equal weight of emphasis will be placed on developing practical skills for collecting and analysing data to solve real-world problems. Students will learn computational programming languages, such as R and Python, through a series of tutorials, lab assignments, and final projects. The well-balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills offered in this course will provide qualification requirements both for professional analysts in media industry and for academic researchers in communication studies and other social sciences.