SCY2570 - Sociology by numbers: Introduction to data analysis

Leader(s): TBA

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

This unit is a practical introduction to quantitative social research methods that are currently experiencing a revival in the social sciences. The topics include: research design, data collection (including sampling theory) and data analysis (understanding and using univariate and bivariate statistics, validity and tests of statistical significance). Multivariate statistics will only be briefly touched upon. The level of mathematics is not very high, but students will need to be able to work comfortably with simple formulae, graphs and tables, and to operate a calculator.

Objectives

Students who complete this unit:

• Will understand the changing and important role of a range of quantitative methods in the social sciences;
• Will develop analytical skills in research design, data collection and analysis in order to critically interpret data;
• Be able to undertake an independent sociological research project and write a research report that will include research design, data collection and analysis.

Assessment

Minor practical assignment (1000) : 25%
Research report (2500) : 50%
Test (1 hour) : 25%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Sociology or permission

Prohibitions

SCY 3570