This is an introductory course in quantitative methods for the social sciences. Topics include tabular and graphical displays of data, descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and analysis of relationships among variables, including regression.
There are many competing approaches to teaching statistics. Some instructors emphasize formulas and calculations, while others ignore the process and focus on interpreting computer output. Some stress mechanics, while others strive for conceptual understanding. I try to balance and blend all these approaches. It is important to perform certain calculations in order to fully grasp the logic of statistical tools. This course stresses an understanding of how and when to use various procedures and ensures that you become familiar with computer-based analysis and interpretation.
Course Outcomes:
Course Outcomes:
- Organize and describe distributions of data
- Carry out and interpret results from univariate analyses
- Carry out and interpret results from hypothesis tests
- Be able to produce and interpret tabular and graphical displays of data
- Use Excel or SPSS to analyze data