Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - SA 355 D100

Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Class Number: 3843

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 255 and SA 257.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the methods, concepts and statistical procedures central to quantitative sociological research. Emphasizing the meaningful application of statistical analysis to social issues, the course provides intermediate quantitative research skills. Students use statistics software to conduct applicable statistical analyses and interpret results. 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 two-hour lecture is followed by a 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 exam 25%
  • Assignment #2 15%
  • Final project 35%

NOTES:

Grading: 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 an 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.

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:

Healey, J. F., Prus, S., & Lieflander, R. (2018). Statistics: A Tool for Social Research, 4th Canadian edition. Toronto: Nelson College Indigenous.
ISBN: 978-0-176725082

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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