Fall 2016 - SA 355 J100
Quantitative Methods (S) (4)
Class Number: 3463
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Tue, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Chris Atchison
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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:
Sociology and Anthropology 355 is a course where students are introduced to issues and techniques in quantitative methods and data analysis in social research. The overall emphasis of the course will be less on statistics and more on developing the practical and theoretical tools necessary to become better critical consumers and producers of quantitative social science data. The goals of the course include: (a) the development of a working knowledge of a range of quantitative methodologies used in the social sciences; (b) understanding the logic and application of quantitative data analysis techniques using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); (c) the development of a critical understanding of quantitative data obtained from surveys, evaluations, and experiments; and (d) improving research design and paper writing skills. Because there is no better way to learn about quantitative methods and analysis than by actually applying the skills, students will design and execute individual quantitative analyses using secondary data from their choice of Canadian data sets.
Grading
- Assignments 35%
- Analytical Proposal 25%
- Term Paper – Quantitative Analysis 40%
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 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:
George, D and Paul Mallery (2014) IBM SPSS Statistics 21 Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Reference. (13th) Pearson: Toronto. ISBN-10: 0205985513 ISBN-13: 9780205985517.
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