SOC 3120, Social Statistics, Section 001, Fall 2017

Utah State University
Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology

SOC 3120, Social Statistics, Section 001, Fall 2017

Tuesday-Thurday, 12:00 pm-1:15 pm, LIB302

Professor: Mehmet Soyer, Ph.D.

E-mail:

Office: 224C

Office hours: TR 1:30-3:00 or by appointment.

Website: memetsoyer.wordpress.com

Teaching Assistant: Hannah Collins

E-mail:

Tutoring: Tuesday and Thursday-10am-11:30am

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to statistical methods. Statistical topics and techniques covered during this semester include: descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, statistical inference and hypothesis testing, parametric and nonparametric testing and multivariate techniques (partial correlation and multiple regression). In this course, you will learn some basic formulas and perform various calculations by hand to solidify your foundation of knowledge in statistics. You will also receive an introduction to computer technologies that ease the calculation of statistics by completing exercises with the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). A basic understanding of statistics coupled with the ability to use software like SPSS can be a formidable combination in a competitive job market.

EXEMPLARY OBJECTIVES

1. To define and discuss basic concepts in social statistics.
2. To teach how to appropriately select statistical techniques based on research questions and data.
3. To teach how to accurately interpret statistical data.
4. To demonstrate how to effectively apply statistical techniques to answering research questions.
5. To teach the appropriate use of SPSS for Windows to do social data management and analysis.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1.Students will be able to correctly define and discuss basic concepts in social statistics.

2.Students will be able to appropriately select statistical technique based upon aspects of the data.

3.Students will be able to accurately interpret statistical data.

4.Students will be able to effectively apply statistical techniques to answering research questions.

5.Students will be able to appropriately use SPSS program for Windows to do social data management and analysis.

REQUIRED READINGS

Frankfort-Nachmias, Chava, and Anna Leon-Guerrero. 2018.Social Statistics for a Diverse Society, 8thEdition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN:9781506347202

Babbie, Earl, Fred S. Halley, William E. Wagner, III, and Jeanne Zaino. 2015.Adventures in Social Research: Data Analysis Using IBM SPSS Statistics, 9thEdition.Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press. ISBN: 9781483359588

Supplies:

1) Students will need access to IBM SPSS 19.0 or higher. Students will need to have at least the Standard Grad Pack version. If you are on campus most school computers have SPSS 19.0 on them.

2) A calculator is strongly recommended for basic calculations on quizzes, homework, and exams.

STUDENT EVALUATIONS

Homework Assignments (10X50=500 points)

There will be 10 homework assignments that involve pre-formulated questions and problems from the textbooks.Due dates will be announced on Canvas.

Quiz (10X10=100 points)

There will be 10 quizzes throughout the semester. Quizzes will be completed in Canvas are based on the readings.Quiz dates will be announced on Canvas.

Exams (2X100=200 points)

There will be three exams for this course. All exams consist of objective and statistical problems. The exams will be based on lectures, readings, and homework assignments.Exam dates will be announced on Canvas.

Discussion (10X20=200 Points)

You are required to complete the readings assigned for the week prior to making your contribution to the discussion.

1. One substantive post under any one thread in the forum. It must be thoughtful and show a clear understanding of the topic being discussed. If you are citing the readings you must mention the author and page numbers. The goal of the substantial post is to draw your classmates into a discussion. You don’t have to agree with everything that you read but make sure to familiarize yourself with the divergent viewpoints on any topic. Due by midnight on Wednesdays.
2. A minimum of one response post under any thread in the forum, where you will respond to one classmate’s post. Before you respond read your classmate’s post carefully and “listen” to what your classmate is saying. When we listen respectfully we can respond thoughtfully, challenging the ideas not the speaker. Try to build on your classmate’s ideas, learn, and even challenge your own. Due by midnight on Sundays.

Summary of Course Requirements / Points
1. / Homework Assignments (10X50=500 points) / 500 points
2. / Quiz (10X10=100 points) / 100 points
3. / Exams (2X100=200 points) / 200 points
4. / Discussion (10X20=200) / 200 points
Total / 1000 points

CLASS COMMUNICATION

Please allow me 24 hours to respond to email but follow the email guidelines explained at the beginning of this syllabus. Email is the best way to contact me at and please include “SOCIAL STAT” in the email's subject line and include “TIME-SENSITIVE” if your email is indeed the case.Please email me for an appointment.

ATTENDANCE

You are expected to attend every class. I also expect you to come to class on time and to stay for the duration of class. Regular class attendance is vital to your success in this course.

GRADE SCHEME

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Grade / Range
A / 100 % to 93.0%
A- / < 93.0 % to 90.0%
B+ / < 90.0 % to 87.0%
B / < 87.0 % to 83.0%
B- / < 83.0 % to 80.0%
C+ / < 80.0 % to 77.0%
C / < 77.0 % to 73.0%
C- / < 73.0 % to 70.0%
D+ / < 70.0 % to 67.0%
D / < 67.0 % to 60.0%
F / < 60.0 % to 0.0%

STUDENT SUPPORT

Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulties with this, or any other USU course, you may click on the folder "Resources" icon in the blue bar to the left of the screen, then click on the IT Service Desk link. You will be redirected to the USU Information Technology page. Click on the "Service Desk" link to see their contact information.

Academic Support

For academic support (information about tutoring, study tips, and preparing for and taking tests) click on the folder "Resources" icon in the blue bar to the left of the screen, then click on the "Academic Success Center" link.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibilities

Academic freedom is the right to teach, study, discuss, investigate, discover, create, and publish freely. Academic freedom protects the rights of faculty members in teaching and of students in learning. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in teaching, research, and creative activities, subject to the limitations imposed by professional responsibility. Faculty Code Policy #403 further defines academic freedom and professional responsibilities.

Academic Integrity – "The Honor System"

Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System is designed to establish the higher level of conduct expected and required of all Utah State University students.

The Honor Pledge: To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge:

"I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity."

A student who lives by the Honor Pledge is a student who does more than not cheat, falsify, or plagiarize. A student who lives by the Honor Pledge:

•Espouses academic integrity as an underlying and essential principle of the Utah State University community;

•Understands that each act of academic dishonesty devalues every degree that is awarded by this institution; and

•Is a welcomed and valued member of Utah State University.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

The instructor of this course will take appropriate actions in response to Academic Dishonesty, as defined the University’s Student Code. Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

•Cheating: using, attempting to use, or providing others with any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or in any other academic exercise or activity. Unauthorized assistance includes:

◦Working in a group when the instructor has designated that the quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity be done “individually;”

◦Depending on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;

◦Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in taking an examination or preparing academic work;

◦Acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member, or another student without express permission;

◦Continuing to write after time has been called on a quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity;

◦Submitting substantially the same work for credit in more than one class, except with prior approval of the instructor; or engaging in any form of research fraud.

•Falsification: altering or fabricating any information or citation in an academic exercise or activity.

•Plagiarism: representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one‘s own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes using materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the sale of term papers or other academic materials.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is defined by the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as any "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment, you may talk to or file a complaint with the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Office located in Old Main, Room 161, or call the AA/EEO Office at (435) 797-1266.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY & "I" GRADE POLICY

Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term ‘extenuating’ circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by an employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Students with Disabilities

Students with ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, (435)797-2444. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print, digital, or audio) are available with advance notice.

Contacting the Disability Resource Center (DRC):

•On Campus: Room 101 of the University Inn

•Phone: 435-797-2444

•Website:

Disability related resources for current students:

•DRC Student Handbook

•Deaf and Hard of Hearing Student Handbook

•Disability Related Scholarships

•Campus Resources

•Documentation Guidelines

•Online Resources for Students with Disabilities

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Regardless of intent, careless or ill-informed remarks can be offensive and hurtful to others and detract from the learning climate. If you feel uncomfortable in a classroom due to offensive language or actions by an instructor or student(s) regarding ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, contact:

•Student Services: 435.797.1712, , TSC 220

•Student Advocates: 435.797.2912, TSC 340,

•Access and Diversity: 435.797.1728, ; TSC 315

•Multicultural Programs: 435-797-1728, TSC 315

•LGBTQA Programs: 435-797-GAYS, TSC 314

•Provost‘s Office Diversity Resources: (435) 797-8176

You can learn about your student rights by visiting:

The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University:

Grievance Process

Students who feel they have been unfairly treated may file a grievance through the channels and procedures described in the Student Code: Article VII. Grievances.

Calendar of Classes, Sessions, Activities, Readings, Examinations & Assignments:

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Week / Date / Topic / Readings / Assignments Due
Module
Module-1 / (28 Aug-3 Sep) / Getting Started &
Introduction – The What and Why of Statistics / Frankfort-Nachmias & Leon-Guerrero (F&L) Chapter 1
Babbie et al. (Babbie) Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz #1
Homework Assignment 1
DB 1 Posts
(4 Sep-10 Sep) / Organization of Information / F&L Chapter 2
Babbie Chapters 3 and 4
Module-2 / (11 Sep-17 Sep) / Graphic Presentation of Statistics / F&L Chapter 2
Babbie Chapter 6 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz #2
Homework Assignment 2
DB 2 Posts
Module-3 / (18 Sep-24 Sep) / Measures of Central Tendency / FF&L Chapter 3
Babbie et al. Chapter 5 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz #3
Homework Assignment #3
DB 3 Posts
Module-4 / (25 Sep-1 Oct) / Measures of Variability / F&L Chapter 4
Babbie Chapter 5 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz #4
Homework Assignment #4
DB 4Posts
Module-5 / (2-8 Oct) / The Normal Distribution (The Normal Curve)
& Recoding Data / F&L Chapter 5
Babbie Chapter 7 / Due Dates on
Canvas
(9-15 Oct) / Sampling and Sampling Distributions
& Composite Measures / F&L Chapter 6
Babbie Chapter 8 / Quiz #5
Homework Due Dates on
Canvas
Assignment 5
DB 5 Posts
Module-6 / (16-22 Oct) / Estimation / F&L Chapter 7 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz 6
Homework Assignment 6
DB 6 Posts
Module-7 / (23-29 Oct) / Testing Hypotheses / F&L Chapter 8
Babbie Chapter 10 and 15 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz 7
Homework Assignment 7
DB 7 Posts
Module-8 / (30 Oct-5 Nov) / Bivariate Tables / F&L Chapters9 / Due Dates on
Canvas
(6-12 Nov) / Chi Square Test and Measures of Association / F&L Chapter 10
Babbie Chapter 13 / Quiz 8
Homework Assignment 8
DB 8 Posts
Module-9 / (13-19 Nov) / Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) / F&L Chapter 11 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz 9
Homework Assignment 9
DB 9 Posts
Module-10 / (20--26 Nov)
(27 Nov-3 Dec)
LAST WEEK / Regression and Correlation
Continued-
Final Review and Potluck / F&L Chapter 12
Babbie Chapter 14
F&L Chapter 12
Babbie Chapter 14 / Due Dates on
Canvas
Quiz 10
Homework Assignment 10
DB 10 Posts

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