Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - SA 355 D100

Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Class Number: 2759

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: 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. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers an introduction to quantitative research methods in sociology, moving from basic to intermediate statistical methods. In particular, we 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 we use a textbook that distinguishes and 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 data from Canadian and other national contexts. To these ends, weekly lectures are supplemented with handson activities exploring and analyzing large datasets using SPSS. The course will help prepare you for more advanced courses in statistical methods.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Cognitive Affective Psychomotor
1. Describe and appreciate the role of descriptive and inferential statistics within sociological research  4. Compare and contrast student fears, motivations and interest related to statistical analysis 7. Perform QUAL and QUANT analysis to understand and explain social phenomena
2. Select appropriate statistics for a given purpose and variable(s); analyze and interpret their meaning  5. Participate in developing a community of practice for statistical inquiry  8. Adapt and reorganize QUAL and QUANT data analysis to coordinate a MM research project 
3. Critically evaluate univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics in the research of others  6. Appraise and justify statistical information as a tool for social research  9. Improve efficiency in doing QUAL,  QUANT and MM social research 

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Assignment #1 15%
  • Assignment #2 15%
  • Assignment #3 20%
  • Final Projects 35%

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

REQUIRED READING:

Statistics A Tool for Social Research and Data Analysis, 5th Edition (2022), Joseph F. Healey, Christopher Donoghue, Steven Prus

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.