In this Statistics course, we, as a class, analyzed and synthesized the data we gathered last year from pre-schools in the surrounding area: Andy Taylor and Head Start. We had to modify the data due to a low response rate. We learned how to conduct data analysis, and in doing so, we created a manual. Throughout 11 chapters, the variables regarding involvement and enjoyment, the two variables I chose to analyze, were analyzed using by-hand methods and the computer systems, rStudio and SPSS. In chapter 1, we learned how to enter and download data with both systems, and in chapter 2, we discussed how to record data in both systems.These chapters were the basics of explaining what we’d be doing for the rest of the semester. Chapter 3 covered measures of central tendency, which outlined how to find the mean, median, and mode by hand, in SPSS, and in rStudio. Chapter 4 covered measures of variability which explained how to find the range, variance and standard deviation of a distribution.
Chapter 5 covered Z-scores and probability, while Chapter 6 covered confidence intervals: how to find the standard error, 68% confidence interval, 95% confidence interval, and 99% confidence interval.Chapter 7 discussed both independent and dependent sample T-tests, and Chapter 8 was an analysis of variance, showing how to solve an ANOVA. Chapter 9 taught us how to conduct Chi-Squared Tests, and Chapter 10 covered Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Finally, Chapter 11 was all about regressions and the interpretations of our findings.
The majority of this information was brand new to me whilst progressing along in class. Some of the mathematical concepts such as mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation, I had learned about in previous math classes, given that prior to being a sociology major, I was a math education major. This class has enhanced my prior knowledge and now, given what I know, I can apply these skills to any career that requires me to know data analysis. It is so much more than just looking at a mean, median or a mode.
Data analysis is important to the greater field of sociological research because it makes it so researchers can accurately and more easily interpret data in large amounts, and to validify their hypotheses. It also makes it so researchers can better understand, interpret, and analyze the large quantities of numbers and find relations between variables in many different ways. If our research team had to calculate all of our calculations by-hand, it would have been a demeaning, tedious task. Data analysis offers relief to this scenario, and allows researchers to calculate everything on computer software. Without this, sociological research would be much less advanced than we know it to be today.
As a technologically advanced society, there is so much I am able to do with this new skill. Many companies and organizations within the research industry and even within law enforcement require some sort of data analysis be conducted. Although I will, directly following graduation, be working as an Aquatics Director, pending if I receive a job offer, I do not plan on staying at this job forever. I have considered entering into law enforcement, and in law enforcement, there are plenty of opportunities to use these skills. These include collecting and analyzing crime data, working with any training academy or sheriffs department, and even working alongside forensic nurses whilst dealing with sexual assault cases. These are all opportunities that I may consider further down the line.
Given that I will be working in an aquatics position does not mean that I will not use data analysis. I can still use these skills to analyze hidden patterns and correlations between data. I can use this to enhance employee productivity, measure performance of employees or operations at the facility. I could also streamline operations to create a more cost-efficient workplace or monitor company trends in order to produce more services. Data analysis may not be used the same way, or as much, here as in law enforcement or within the research industry; however, it can and will still be done.