Statistics for the Social Sciences course entails handwritten calculations and computer application of quantitative and statistical methods to sociological data. In this course, we created a statistical handbook for a variety of different statistical methods. Two computer programs were utilized throughout this course, RStudio and SPSS. The handbook covers statistical techniques of entering/downloading data in R and SPSS, recoding data, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, z-scores and probability, confidence intervals, t-test, analysis of variance, chi-squared test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and regression.
The data used was that of a family involvement project performed in Central Virginia with children and families from the local Head Start Program and Andy Taylor Center. I used annual household income with tax brackets as my independent variable and family involvement measured on a 0-10 scale as my dependent variable. With this data, we learned how to enter the data into these computer programs and then perform various statistical tests to examine correlation, mean differences, significance, etc. For example, I performed a chi-squared test to find the difference between the observed frequency obtained from the data and the expected frequency to occur under the terms of the null hypothesis (no difference between the means). Family involvement was recoded into low, moderate, and high engagement. Annual household income was recoded into low income and high-income household. The test revealed a chi-squared value of 4.68, indicating that household income does not influence family engagement. Multiple tests such as this were performed to obtain any significant findings between the two variables.
This course taught me basic concepts of social statistics. These concepts were applied and will be applied in multiple other major course classes as well as post-graduate schooling. We learned how to compute and analyze multiple inferential statistics using both handwritten and computer calculations. With this, we practiced creating tables and graphs and learned how to properly write up results in APA style.
The skills developed in this course will be extremely useful not only in a career, but also great preparation for graduate programs that advance on the basic concepts covered. Proficiency in statistical analyses also further research potential. Statistics is the primary analytical method used in careers involving sociology. Statistics is also used in careers involving data management and analysis, such as marketing job, federal positions, etc. Mastering the content of this course enhances your status as a job applicant.
The computer programming skills I’ve developed through this course will be a great addition to a resume. Research experience utilizing these statistical methods can enhance the resume of a job candidate. This indicates to an employer that the applicant is proficient in computer programming and inferential statistics. Aside from enhancing a resume, the skills developed will be useful if seeking to do any research intending to be published in a journal article.