Reflection
Introduction
In this paper, I will explain the SOCL 346 Stats for the Social Sciences course. The course comprises on applying quantitative and statistical tools to social data using a computer. Construction of questionnaires, coding, sampling, constructing, and preserving data sets, probability, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, and theoretical modeling are all emphasized. When it comes to completing by-hand computations in this course, SPSS and R studio were key components. I was worried when I started the second portion of the course because I knew I am not good at arithmetic. However, this subject has helped me gain confidence in arithmetic and figuring out calculations by hand. I have developed a lot since starting this course, and I’m now ready to apply what I have learned to my future self. I will explain how these tactics may be used in real-life circumstances and how I can continue to use them in my future career role. I will talk about what I learned in this course, what the most essential aspect of this course was, and how I will apply what I learned in this course to real-life circumstances.
What?
SOCL 346 provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I may apply to my future self. When I first started this course, I did not expect to do well because I knew I’m not good at arithmetic. This course taught me how to use computer applications such as SPSS and R Studio. As we progressed through the chapters, I learned how to be organized and how to perform computations by hand. Throughout the course of my study, I created a statistical manual of eleven chapters that I learned. I learned how to use statistical tests to measure independent and dependent variables. I discovered how to recode variables in SPSS and use them in R Studio. SPSS is a complex commuter software that is used for data management to store data. Learning by hand calculations was a challenge at first, but over the course, I got the hang of it. Hand calculations allowed me to see everything step-by-step when it came time to work out different problems. This helped me towards the end of chapters 7-10, which used lots of by-hand calculations.
This course has taught me patience when it comes to problem-solving. There were times when I didn’t comprehend anything, but once I took the time to write everything down, I was fine. This course has kept me on my toes when it comes to data collection and storage. The material has given me a lot of confidence, and I know I can apply all I’ve learned to my job. Being taught how to use SPSS is a significant accomplishment because this program is used by the majority of law enforcement agencies to collect data. Because of all the recoding that occurred this semester, learning how to navigate R studio is an important skill. Learning this recoding technique was necessary throughout this semester because that is what this class was about.
So What?
The experiences from this class made me thrilled since I knew I was learning something. I thought this class would be difficult for me because I am not very strong at math. Taking this class has made me a better understander of various subjects. SOCL 346 tested me in a variety of ways, including SPSS, R Studio, and quizzes. By taking this course, you will be able to gain more experience with work using SPSS, R studio, and hand calculation. I was able to assist individuals who were having difficulty understanding all of the above ideas. Because I was so confused, I had a tutor help me with my math homework at first. After attending those sessions, I improved my math skills and ability to work with software. I was even able to assist a student in navigating SPSS and performing calculations by hand.
SOCL 345 and 346 are two-part classes in which you learn research methodologies in the first half and statistics in the second. Throughout this course, I was measuring how much involvement from families has an impact on children. Children were sent home with family fun time activities, and families were asked to fill out surveys about how involved they were. In the course SOCL 346, we applied all of the material to statistics. When it came to measuring the independent and dependent variables, we were able to determine their significance. When it comes to determining the involvement with families, I went further into the numbers. Family involvement was my dependent variable, and income was my independent variable. My goal was to find out if income made a significant impact on family involvement. When I conducted the numbers by hand, I discovered that family engagement did not affect income.
I believe that having these skills is essential because I can pass them on to others. Because of how I was taught, having these skills is a wonderful thing. The course has taught me so much in just five months. Learning how to utilize SPSS, R studio, and hand computation will be a valuable skill in the profession. I’m glad I got to acquire these tactics; when I mentioned to my boss that I had learned these talents, he was shocked. Having these talents will take you a long way and bring you to a lot of places; most jobs look for transferable skills in others, which is why it matters so much to have these.
Now What?
All of the skills and strategies I gained throughout the course will be applied to my career. As a Deputy for the county, I will work at Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office. Having these job abilities is a tremendous benefit to offer to that employment, especially when it comes to my having to keep up with data. Most agencies record data on how many people enter and leave jail, as well as how many people re-offend. However, I believe I can apply this talent to data storage. Because I have familiarity with SPSS, R Studio, and Excel, these are excellent transferable abilities. They use Excel a lot at my internship to manage data and having that expertise would be useful when working in their department. Analytical thinking is a valuable skill that I can apply to my profession as a deputy, as it aids in self-organization.
These skills are extremely beneficial in real-life circumstances; my dream career is to retire from the FBI. I know they utilize a database to calculate all of their crime statistics; having this information would help me understand better when I start working with them. Knowing how important these skills are to my job, I plan to apply them constantly. It is incredibly valuable in the long term to examine everything that I have learned throughout the course. SPSS, as well as R studio, are prominent data-keeping programs. I will put these abilities to use during the course of my career and in real-life circumstances. I will continue to educate others on how to use hand calculations and computer applications.
Conclusion
Overall, I found this course and the learning approaches offered to be enjoyable. This class has challenged me in ways I did not expect to be challenged in. These transferable strategies will always be with me and used in my career. This class’s critical thinking and analytical thinking attracted my interest. This course has taught me a lot that I can pass on to others.