Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - SA 355 D100

Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Class Number: 4744

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 255 and SA 257.

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:

In this course, you finally get to focus on quantitative research methodology and play with
statistics! You have taken many courses about what sociologists have found out as they’ve done
empirical research. You’ve learned some basics about research design. You’ve learned some of
the math and thinking behind statistics. This is the course where you get to focus on how to do
quantitative research well, and try out quantitative analysis for yourself. Of course, using
statistics in social research is not only fun. It’s also interesting, important, and requires some
specific ways of thinking about analysis. This is what you will learn in SA 355.
The objectives of this course are to teach you 1) basics of quantitative research design, including
2) some measurement issues, 3) a review of what to describe about numerical data, why and
how, 4) how to decide which of the major statistical tests to use when evaluating hypotheses, 5)
how to conduct those tests using the program SPSS and how to interpret the results, and finally
6) how to present your findings to others. You will choose and develop research questions, and
you will conduct statistical analysis of existing data to find out the answers for yourself.
The statistical analysis part of this course focuses on understanding social science statistical
analysis, using statistical tests, and presenting statistical results. We will not focus on the math
behind statistical tests. People who love math often find that applying it requires a different way
of reasoning, while people who are intimidated by the math find that reasoning about the
principles of when and why to use different statistical techniques is actually doable. We will use
readings, lectures, discussion and lab time to introduce and practice this reasoning. You will also
learn how to process data, conduct statistical analyses and make tables and graphs using a
combination of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and Microsoft Word.

Grading

  • Project assignments: 55%
  • Reading evaluations: 15%
  • Exams: 30%

NOTES:

All graded assignments must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Recommended materials: IBM SPSS Statistics software program. (Base GradPack 23 or 24 for
Mac/Windows).

REQUIRED READING:

Required Texts: Required readings will be posted on Canvas or linked to from Canvas.

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