Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - SA 257 D100

Demystifying Quantitative Research: Critical Perspectives from Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)

Class Number: 2765

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Suzanna Crage
    scrage@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: TBA online and in person

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Quantitative research and statistics: objective, authoritative, intimidating! Or not? We examine how statistical claims are perceived and used, in science and society, and deconstruct their foundations. Students practice analytical skills necessary for understanding and critiquing quantitative research by reading studies, evaluating popular science coverage, and communicating results from statistical analyses. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

We are presented with numerical information about the social world every day. "Crime in rural Canadian communities is 34 per cent higher than in urban areas."1 "Respect for Indigenous cultures is 10 per cent higher among racialized Canadians than among non-racialized, non- Indigenous Canadians."2 Where do these claims come from, and what do they actually tell us? This course draws on overlapping research and theory from sociology, anthropology, statistics, and the history and philosophy of science to provide an introduction to thinking about, reading and evaluating quantitative research, and conducting quantitative analysis.

Quantitative research and statistical results are often talked about as objective, often treated as authoritative, and often seen as intimidating. We will challenge their objectivity, consider social and cultural factors that contribute to their power, and assess how research is discussed and used in media and politics. We will explore both longstanding disagreements and newer ideas about how to analyze quantitative data and how to use the results. You will also get practice at reading and interpreting tables, graphs and other statistical results, we will delve into the principles that form the foundations of most statistical analysis, and we will examine what commonly used statistics do and do not mean.

In order to really demystify quantitative research, though, you have to try it out! So you will design and conduct your own analysis. Using existing survey data, you will develop research questions, analyze data, interpret your results, and describe them using words, tables and graphs.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will teach you how to…

-Think critically about numbers and graphs that are used to make claims about the world.
-Consider relationships between quantitative measures and the concepts they represent.
-Understand the goals and reasoning behind descriptive and inferential statistics.
-Read and interpret statistical reports.
-Construct a quantitative research question that can be addressed using available data.
-Analyze data with descriptive statistics using SPSS; present findings clearly and appropriately.

Grading

  • Data Analysis Project (three assignments) 36%
  • Understanding Research (three assigments) 24%
  • Exams 1 & 2 20%
  • Final Exam (Cumulative) 20%

NOTES:

You will need to read and consider material before the day it is assigned, attend lectures and tutorials, participate in class discussion, and complete exercises that build on readings and inclass material. Readings and class time will complement rather than replicate each other, and you will be expected to draw on both as you complete exams, assignments and exercises.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Grading: The exams and all graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. If you do not complete all assignments and tests, and do not withdraw from the course before the withdrawal deadline, you will be assigned an N grade.

Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

SA 101 or SA 150

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

-Readings posted to Canvas.
-Lectures and videos posted to Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • IBM SPSS Statistics software program. (Base GradPack for Mac/Windows, see SFU software)
  • William W. Dressler. 2015. The 5 Things You Need to Know about Statistics: Quantification in Ethnographic Research. Walnut, CA: Left Coast.. Available to buy, and electronic acccess is available through the library.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.