Sociology 25
Spring, 2006
Tu,Th 12:30 to 1:45
Syllabus
Topics:
1. Describing data
a.Counting responses (ch. 4)
b.Computing descriptive statistics (ch. 5)
c.Comparing groups (ch. 6)
d.Counting responses for combinations of variables (ch. 8)
2. Testing hypotheses
a.Evaluating results from samples (ch. 10)
b.The normal distribution (ch. 11)
c.Testing a hypothesis about a single mean (ch. 12)
d. Testing a hypothesis about two related means (ch. 13)
e.Testing a hypothesis about two independent means (ch. 14)
f. Comparing observed and expected counts (ch. 17)
3. Examining relationships
a.Measuring association (ch. 19)
b.Linear regression and correlation (ch. 20)
Texts:Marija J. Norusis, SPSS 13.0 Guide to Data Analysis, Prentice Hall, 2005.
Linda Fiddler, Laura Hecht, Edward Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson, James Ross, SPSS for Windows Version 13.0 A Basic Tutorial, McGraw-Hill Primis Custom Publishing, 2005.
Homework:There are homework assignments during the semester. Each assignment covers one or more chapters in the text. Students may help each other with the homework assignments by discussing how to do a particular problem. However, work on SPSS and the written answers to the homework assignments are to be completed individually. It is not acceptable for two or more students to hand in the same answer to a problem on the homework. Assignments are usually due the class meeting following the class we complete the chapter. Due dates will be announced in class and on BlackBoard. Each assignment is worth 10 points. Late assignments will be marked down 0.3 points for each school day late. Late assignments will be accepted for one week after the due date. After one week, late homework will be not be accepted for any reason and automatically becomes an “F” (except in extraordinary situations). The lowest score will be dropped. The remaining scores will be averaged. Homework counts 25% of the semester grade.
Exams:Two exams during the semester and a final. The first exam covers all material up to the first exam and will be given on approximately February 28. The second exam covers all material from the first exam to the second exam and will be given on approximately April 6. The final is comprehensive and covers all material discussed during the semester and is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16 (1:15pm to 3:15pm). Make-up exams will be permitted only if an acceptable reason is presented before the exam. All make-up exams are given during the study days at the end of the semester. There are no exceptions to this policy. The make-up exam is Thursday, May 11 at 12:30pm.
Grading:Each exam counts 25% of the semester's grade. The homework assignments count the remaining 25% of the semester grade. Final letter grades are based on the following scale: 90-100% = A, 80-89% =B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, below 60%=F. Regular attendance is expected of all students. The University's policy on cheating and plagiarism ( will be enforced. For information on the University’s policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Schedule of Courses (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) or the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations).
SS202:Homework assignments will need to be done in SS202. The lab is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm, seven days a week, except when classes are scheduled in the lab. Check the schedule of classes posted on the door of the lab.
BlackBoard:Materials you will need for the classes are posted on BlackBoard. These include announcements, syllabus, PowerPoint outlines, key terms, questions to review for exams, web links, and assignments. To log onto BlackBoard, go to and log in. Your user name and password are the same as your CSUF e-mail account. Please let the instructor know if you are unable to log onto BlackBoard or the class.
Web Site:There is an online version of the SPSS for Windows Version 13 book at that you will find useful in doing your SPSS assignments.
Students with
Disabilities:Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact Services to Students with Disabilities in Madden Library 1049 (278-2811).
Changes to Syllabus:This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent. All changes to the syllabus including all changes in exams or assignments must be confirmed by the instructor in person (not on BlackBoard or by email).
Instructor:Edward Nelson
Social Science 209A
Extension 2275
E-mail:
Open Lab:There will be a one-hour open lab when the instructor will be available to help with the computer assignments. The day and time will be announced.
Office Hours:Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:00; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:50 to 12:20; and by appointment