Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - SA 355 D100

Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Class Number: 2871

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Suzanna Crage
    scrage@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: TBA via Zoom and office

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 255.

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:

You have taken many courses about sociology. You’ve learned some basics about research design, and worked with some data. This is the course where you get to design a quantitative project and analyze data yourself. Quantitative methods and statistics in the social sciences are interesting, important, and require some specific ways of thinking about analysis.

This course introduces major issues in designing quantitative research projects. It also focuses on understanding social science statistical analysis and presenting statistical results. We will not spend much time on the math behind different statistical techniques. Even so, by the end of the term this course will have taught you more than many practicing scientists know about how, when and why to use them.

The course material is online. It includes text, diagrams and drawings, and videos. You will also learn through practice. You will work with a partner to choose and develop research questions, and the two of you will analysize existing data to find the answers. You will end the term by presenting your research, and asking and answering questions about student projects.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is designed to teach students how to:

o Learn about different methods for gathering quantitative data.
o Learn about social science statistical analysis. We will focus on a conceptual understanding of statistical tests, including reasoning about when and why to use different statistical techniques.
o Work with another student to choose and develop research questions, and you will conduct statistical analysis of existing data to find out the answers.
o Learn about principles of presenting results, and presentat your project results.
o Process data, conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, and make tables and graphs using a combination of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and Microsoft Word.

Grading

  • Data Analysis Project 60%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Exercises 10%

NOTES:

Grading: The midterm and all graded assignments must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned, unless the student withdraws from the course before the deadline date. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

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 255

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be available through Canvas

RECOMMENDED READING:

IBM SPSS Statistics software program. (Base GradPack for Mac/Windows, available through SFU)

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.