Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - SA 355 OL01

Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Class Number: 1486

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Jun 16, 2022
    Thu, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Aug 13, 2022
    Sat, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Katherine Watson
    kawatson@sfu.ca
    Office: Zoom
    Office Hours: Thursdays 1pm - 2pm or by Appointment

  • 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. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students will blend classroom knowledge of statistics with "real life" analysis of data to develop practical research analysis skills, deductive thinking, and dataset management. The course will build students’ understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques as well as how to apply these tools in analytical ways. A review of statistical fundamentals, working in SPSS and hypothesis testing is central to the course. The focus is on the research enterprise of social science, rather than the mathematics, of statistics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Learn appropriate techniques of statistical analysis and how to present your results.
  • Further develop critical and creative thinking skills associated with (deductive) research.
  • Refine your understanding of basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and learn how to apply these tools in analytical ways.
  • Further develop your SPSS skills.

  • Learn what is needed to manage a data set—understanding what a data set is, how a data set is organized, where the data comes from, and how to find and use supporting documentation (codebooks, source questionnaires).

 

Grading

  • SPSS Practice Questions Completion Grade 5%
  • Midterm Exam (June 16) 15%
  • Final Exam (Aug 15) 25%
  • Assignment 1 (Due June 10) 10%
  • Assignment 2 (Due July 15) 20%
  • Assignment 3 (Due Aug 8) 25%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). 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.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

: You will use the IBM SPSS Statistics software program (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), the Base Grad Pack 27 for Mac/Windows version. SFU has made SPSS available to students for free!

 

SPSS software 27 can be downloaded for student use from SFU Information Systems:

 

https://www.sfu.ca/information-systems/services/software/list-of-software-at-sfu.html

REQUIRED READING:

Noack, A.M. (2018). Social Statistics in Action: A Canadian Introduction. Don Mills On.: Oxford University Press.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.