Throughout the two semesters I have spent taking both Sociology 345 and 346 I have learned, grown, and changed a lot as a student. My technological skills have increased dramatically – learning how to efficiently and effectively operate R, SPSS, and Excel data in order to analyze inferential statistics. The usage of R and Python especially was incredibly beneficial as I was immediately able to apply these concepts to real-world data sets in my geographic information systems class. This has, in turn, boosted my critical thinking skills and allowed me to communicate and describe the findings of various statistical tests that were run (t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, etc.).
Another tool that I learned in this course that has been an essential part of my daily life is organizational skills. The usage of the statistics manual has given me a model for organizing notes and materials in an effective manner. I have been a more organized person overall and have set up systems for setting up and completing work as a result of this course. It has allowed me to set schedules in place and boost my study and work rigor.
As I mentioned earlier, I have gained the ability to describe complex information from R, Excel, and SPSS. Translating the information to various audiences initially proved to be challenging but it has been very helpful. Learning how to convey said information to non-technical audiences has helped my communication skills overall by gaining the ability to describe information to various audiences. Changing language and descriptions of statistical data to communicate effectively is a very important tool.
These tools that I have gained throughout the course are extremely beneficial in a larger context as they allow me impactfully change my roles in future positions. The inclusion of technological skills can greatly impact future jobs and courses via the ability to summarize and analyze various statistics. Since analytics is such an important, diverse, and useful skill to have, being qualified in it is essential.
A researcher who is both organized and technically equipped with a skill set that includes R, Python, SPSS, and Excel, can perform in a large variety of jobs. This massive window and demand for analysts will never diminish as studying and analyzing data will always be a necessity. In a larger context, the skills that I am now equipped with following this course put my skill level higher for crucial tasks that the evolving future will need.
Finally, with what I have learned in this course I will continue to perform in a more intelligent and direct way. This includes intensive preparation, organization, and effort. This class has taught me the importance of building and staying consistent with a schedule. I will continue to follow a methodical schedule that allows me to be more organized and efficient with my work. I will also incorporate my newly gained statistical analysis skills into assignments and will apply them whenever possible.