I have taken many different types of classes and levels of classes throughout my time in college so far. However, I have not taken a class like Sociology 346 where I barely knew any details or information going into the class and came out with a ton more knowledge and tools for my future. Sociology 346 is a statistics for the social sciences type of class that uses data gathered from research studies that we conducted in order to analyze the returning data.
In Sociology 346 we started by taking the information and data we had from when we created our research studies and used two different types of software. The first software we used is called SPSS. SPSS is software that allows you to insert your data and run different types of tests to show you different parts of your data. For example, in SPSS you can recode your variables into smaller groups, and it also allows you to enter your independent and dependent variables and run tests such as ANOVA.
The second software we used is called R-Studio (R). R-Studio is another software we learned how to use that is basically coding software. I used R to run tests such as condensing my income options from seven options into three options, running ANOVA, t-tests, z-scores, Chi-squared, correlation, and regression. In the R program, you enter your codes in the top left, and assuming I entered the information correctly you would get your data and responses in the lower left quadrant.
After using both of these coding software and handwritten notes I have learned a lot in Sociology 346. At the beginning of this class, I created a survey that would be sent out to different families through two different programs. Those two programs were in Farmville Virginia called HEAD Start and the Andy Taylor Program. For them to answer and send back one completed. In this survey, there was a list of questions from open-ended questions to close-ended questions. One of the first things we learned with the data that was sent back was finding the median, mode, and mean. We did this a few different ways, the first way was by hand then we used SPSS and R.
Statistical calculations are very important because this is how we learned and understood how to read and understand all of the data that we got back. I had no idea all of the work and time this class entailed just to be able to know the meaning behind conducting a good research project. Every step and test we ran is important and builds on each other as we progress through the class. Without each step and understanding the process it would have made it much more difficult overall, especially toward the end of the class. What I have learned in this class will help me in the future because it will give me the upper hand in applying for future jobs compared to those who did not have to take this course and have the knowledge that I do now.