GRADUATE

Quantitative Analysis

SOCI 6112 6.0A (Y)

Fall/Winter 2020-2021
Time: T 2:30-5:30
Room: 225 Bethune College

This course provides an examination of quantitative methods used in sociology and the social sciences, with a focus on linear modeling. A key objective is for students to learn how to apply appropriate statistical tests to data in response to a social research question for presentation and publication. The course emphasizes the analysis of survey data and the idea that models represent patterns in data, and statistical ideas are taught using examples from across the social sciences.

The first term of the course deals with basic descriptive and inferential statistics, significance tests, measures of association, and covers univariate and bivariate analyses. In the second term, we will begin with a review of descriptive and inferential statistics and then cover the basics of linear regression, including estimation, interpretation, hypothesis testing, model assumptions, and model fit.

Good data analysis entails developing sound theory, locating appropriate data sources, operationalizing key concepts, and building models that address research questions. To practice these skills, students will be required to complete a research project. The project will involve identifying and analyzing social science data utilizing the techniques covered in class and presenting the findings in a presentation (fall) to be developed into a paper (winter). In the end, the goal should be to produce a publishable research paper.