When I first realized that it was required for my criminal justice degree to take a statistics class I was overwhelmed and very afraid. I never thought that I would leave SOCL-346 (Statistics for the Social Sciences) with an understanding of how to use statistics in the social sciences. In this class I learned how to summarize numeric data by computing descriptive statistics and creating tables and graphs. For each procedure I learned how to use handwritten calculations using a calculator and two computer methods, SPSS and R. I learned how to compute and analyze various statistics by using handwritten and computer calculation methods. I learned how to test various hypotheses and how to explain the differences between many different statistical techniques and how to identify the proper one for specific research questions and data.
This semester I created a statistics manual for SOCL-346. For each procedure, I divided the material into 11 different chapters explaining how to use SPSS, R, and handwritten calculations. In each chapter there are examples for each procedure along with interpretations. In “Chapter 1” I explained how to enter and download data onto the two computer methods. In “Chapter 2” I gave explanations of how to recode variables in both SPSS and R. In “Chapter 3” I covered how to find the mean, median, and mode by hand and in the two computer methods. In “Chapter 4” I focused on how to find the range, variance, and standard deviation of a distribution using continuous variables. In “Chapter 5”, I wrote how to find the Z-score and how to find the probability of a Z-score in a normal distribution. In “Chapter 6”, I explained how to find the standard error, 68% confidence interval, 95% confidence interval, and 99% confidence interval. In “Chapter 7” I gave instructions on Independent samples T-test and Dependent samples T-test. In “Chapter 8” I covered how to find the analysis of variance by hand and in both SPSS and R. In “Chapter 9” I gave instructions on how to do the Chi-Squared Test using two categorical variables. In “Chapter 10” I covered Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. Finally, in “Chapter 11” I explained how to do a OLS binary regression model and how to plot a regression line.
Having the skills and knowledge of statistics in the social sciences is key when trying to pursue both academic and non-academic careers. It is important to grasp this material during undergraduate schooling because of potential graduate programs opportunities. Every graduate program in the social sciences has statistical courses that students are required to take before graduating. These skills are also important for research opportunities in and out of graduate school. For those who pursue non-academic careers, these skills may be required for certain jobs. These skills can provide individuals with better jobs and a higher income. This class is important to take because it helps set students up for success after graduation. Lastly, it is important to understand statistics regarding the social sciences because it provides a better understanding of society and social changes.
I am planning on applying to graduate schools this upcoming December (2023) to further my education in criminal justice. I have the goals of furthering my criminal justice major while specializing in sex crimes. The few graduate schools that I have researched thus far requires at least two statistical courses. SOCL-346 has broadened my knowledge of statistics. I will be using these skills for future research projects and potential jobs. These skills will hopefully follow me to graduate school and will stay with me throughout.