Fall 2016 - SA 355 D100
Quantitative Methods (S) (4)
Class Number: 3375
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Nicholas Scott
nascott@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
SA 255 or POL 201, and STAT 203 (formerly 103).
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of measurement issues within sociological research, focusing on the logical and conceptual construction and interpretation of tables, and an examination of the uses and abuses of statistics. Through an introduction to 'hands on' use of the computer, this course emphasizes the applications, rather than the mathematics, of statistics. Students with credit for SA 355 may not take POL 315 for further credit. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course offers an introduction to quantitative research methods in sociology, moving from basic to intermediate statistical methods. In particular, I will cover the important role statistics play within social research, not as ends unto themselves, but as tools or instruments for engaging with relevant research questions and real-world issues and testing social theories. For this purpose I use a carefully chosen textbook that usefully distinguishes, but also identifies linkages between, descriptive and inferential statistics, helping to enrich our understanding of both. I also combine non-computational lessons on the logic and conceptual aspects of these techniques with examples and applications using real data in a Canadian context. To this end, each weekly twohour lecture is followed by a two-hour per week tutorial and computer-lab workshop. The course will help prepare you for more advanced courses in statistical methods.
Grading
- Lab Participation 10%
- Assignment #1 15%
- Midterm Examination 25%
- Assignment #2 15%
- Final Projects 35%
REQUIREMENTS:
Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned a N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. If you fail to complete 40% (or more) of course evaluations, you will receive an “N”, which for purposes of academic standing is equivalent to an “F”.
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy:
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01- S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Statistics: A Tool For Social Research (2015) by Joseph F. Healey and Steven Prus, available at the SFU Bookstore.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS