SP20 SOCY 301 Syllabus Working PDF

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SOCIOLOGY 301: Analysis of Sociological Data Instructor Dr. Brian Soller (he/him) Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Health Administration and Policy Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Thursdays 10:00 am to 12:00 noon WebEx meeting room: https://umbc.webex.com/meet/bsol Teaching Assistant Keller Trotman (they/them) MA Student in Applied Sociology Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday and Wednesdays 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm WebEx meeting room: https://umbc.webex.com/meet/ksim2 Course Details: Term: Spring 2021 Class Meeting Days: Mondays and Wednesdays Class Time: 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm Course Credits: 4 Required Preparation: SOCY 300 Synchronous Meetings are Scheduled via Blackboard Collaborate through the course Blackboard page Course Description and Objectives The key objective of this course is for students to comprehend quantitative data and apply statistical analysis to enhance their ability to understand and investigate the social world. Overall, the course aims to advance students’ understanding of: 1) how and why social scientists use statistics, 2) how to construct and interpret descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g. regression analysis, 3) how to use SPSS to analyze data, and 4) how to be informed consumers of quantitative social science research. Course Goals Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: 1) Define the basic concepts of probability, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics 2) Classify data into appropriate levels of measurement 3) Describe measures of central tendency and variability 4) Understand the normal distribution and sampling distributions 5) Use social theory to formulate hypotheses 6) Test hypotheses using statistical analysis software 7) Interpret quantitative results 8) Evaluate and interpret social statistics in everyday life Required Course Materials Frankfort-Nachmias, Chava and Anna Leon-Guerrero. 2018. Social Statistics for a Diverse Society, 8th Edition. (9th edition is acceptable but is likely more expensive) Suggested/Supplemental Course Materials and Computer Programs IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27). SPSS is compatible with Windows 10 and iOS. Link for downloading SPSS through UMBC: http://wiki.umbc.edu/display/faq/SPSS Instructions for installing and authorizing/licensing SPSS: http://wiki.umbc.edu/display/faq/SPSS+Installation Link for accessing SPSS through UMBC’s virtual desktop: http://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=41190286 NOTE: Dr. Soller will not provide assistance for downloading, installing, or authorizing/licensing SPSS. Contact UMBC IT if you have trouble downloading or installing SPSS on your computer and/or authorizing your copy of SPSS, or if you have trouble accessing SPSS through UMBC’s virtual desktop.

Course Requirements 1. Exams. There are 4 exams throughout the semester. Exams will be taken through the Blackboard Course page. Once started, students have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete each exam. Exams are closed book and closed notes (unless otherwise noted). Collaborating with other students during the exam in any way is not allowed. Exams must be completed within 48 hours of the assigned date. 2. Lab Exercises. Nine lab exercises will be due throughout the semester. Exercises must be submitted at the beginning of class on the date they are due. The top 8 lab exercise scores count for 32 points of your final course grade (i.e., the lowest exercise score does not factor into your final course grade). 3. Portfolio Assignments. Two portfolio assignments are due throughout the term. Portfolio assignments are based on analysis of chosen variables and must be submitted at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Each assignment counts for 4 points of your final course grade. 4. Final Portfolio. Portfolio assignments culminate in a Final Portfolio which must be submitted by Thursday, May 19th at 11:59pm via Blackboard. Instructions for the Final Portfolio will be distributed during the semester. Portfolios submitted after 11:59pm on May 19th will lose 1 point for each hour they are late. 5. Extra Credit. Those who use data from Add Health or the National Neighborhood and Crime Study (NNCS) for their Final Portfolio will earn up to 3 points of extra credit on their Final Portfolio grade. Dr. Soller will introduce students to resources for learning these datasets, but no class time will be used to answer specific questions about these data. If you intend to perform Portfolio analyses using one of these datasets, you must note your intention to Dr. Soller via email by March 15th. Grading Final grades are based on a total point score determined by performance on quizzes, writing assignments, and exams. Top 8 Exercises Two Portfolio Assignments Final Portfolio 4 Exams

32 Points (4 points each) 8 Points (4 points each) 40 Points 20 Points (5 points each)

Grades are based on the following scale: Grade Total Points A 90.00-100.00 B 80.00-89.99 C 70.00-79.99 D 60.00-60.99 F Below 60.00

Other Relevant Information UMBC Policies and Resources for Students during COVID-19. Please see the document “UMBC Policies and Resources for Students during COVID-19” found in the course Blackboard page for additional information on University Academic Policies and Resources available during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Accessibility and Disability Accommodations, Guidance and Resources. Accommodations for students with disabilities are provided for all students qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA & ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act who request and are eligible for accommodations. The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) is the UMBC department designated to coordinate accommodations that would create equal access for students when barriers to participation exist in University courses, programs, or activities. Students who have a documented disability and need to request academic accommodations should refer to the SDS website at sds.umbc.edu for registration information and office procedures. SDS email: [email protected]; SDS phone: (410) 455-2459. If you will be using SDS approved accommodations in this class, please contact me (instructor) to discuss implementation of the accommodations. During remote instruction requirements due to COVID, communication and flexibility will be essential for success. Academic Integrity Statement. By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC’s scholarly community in which everyone’s academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. To read the full Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult UMBC policies , or the Faculty Handbook (Section 14.3 ). COVID-19: Safety Expectations and Guidelines. Students enrolled in this course are expected to adhere to all UMBC policies, rules, and regulations, including COVID-19 emergency health and safety rules, policies, guidelines, and signage enacted for the UMBC community. For students attending in-person classes, signage, policies, rules, and/or guidelines may include but are not

limited to specific requirements for face coverings, physical distancing, and sanitization, in addition to efforts to reduce density efforts that involve reductions in seating and room capacity. Please be aware that UMBC’s COVID-19 emergency health and safety rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, and/or signage are subject to change as our public health crisis evolves. Any violation will be subject to disciplinary action and may include but not limited to immediate dismissal from the classroom, removal from the classroom and/or campus, a requirement to work remotely, and/or sanctions and conditions enumerated in the UMBC Code of Student Conduct that may entail suspension or expulsion from UMBC. Diversity and Inclusion Statement. Diversity is large part of what social scientists study. Diversity is also what makes a classroom experience and a university education at a place like UMBC so engaging. The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health is committed to creating an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds to learn and to thrive. We expect our students to be part of this work. We encourage anyone who has concerns or suggestions to talk with their faculty and advisers. Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Gender Based Violence and Discrimination. All faculty members are considered Responsible Employees, per UMBC’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment, and Gender Discrimination. Faculty are therefore required to report possible violations of the Policy to the Title IX Coordinator, even if a student discloses something they experienced before attending UMBC. Although faculty members want you to be able to share information related to your life experiences through discussion and written work, students should understand that faculty are required to report Sexual Misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator so that the University can inform students of their rights, resources and support. If you need to speak with someone in confidence, who does not have an obligation to report to the Title IX Coordinator, UMBC has a number of Confidential Resources available to support you:  The Counseling Center: 410-455-2742 / After-Hours 410-455-3230  University Health Services: 410-455-2542  Pastoral Counseling via Interfaith Center: 410-455-3657; [email protected]  Women’s Center (for students of all genders): 410-455-2714; [email protected].  Shady Grove Student Resources, Maryland Resources, National Resources. Child Abuse and Neglect. Please note that Maryland law and UMBC policy require that I report all disclosures or suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services and /or the police. Pregnancy. UMBC Policy provides that students should not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs, students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any intended absences for religious observances in advance, and as early as possible. For questions or guidance or to request an accommodation, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at [email protected]. Hate, Bias, Discrimination and Harassment. UMBC values safety, cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, lifelong learning, equity, and civic engagement. Consistent with these principles, UMBC Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment in its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, ancestry, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, veterans status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or genetic information. Students (and faculty and staff) who experience discrimination, harassment, hate or bias or who have such matters reported to them should use the online reporting form to report discrimination, hate or bias incidents; reporting may be anonymous. Courtesy Policy. Online seminars present unique opportunities and challenges for learning. Background noise can be particularly disruptive to conversations. If you anticipate loud disruptions during class, please mute yourself when you are not speaking. Religious holidays. UMBC Policy provides that students should not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs, students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any intended absences for religious observances in advance, and as early as possible. For questions please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at [email protected]. Contact Dr. Soller regarding any conflict between religious observance dates and course assignments one month prior to the assignment due date to ensure adequate accommodation. Extensions. Extensions on required assignments only will be allowed in the case of a documented medical or familial emergency (e.g., doctor’s note, emergency room visit, etc.).

Communication. Emails should be reserved for brief questions. You should schedule office hours for lengthy discussions. Dr. Soller will attempt to answer emails sent Monday through Thursday within 24 hours. Emails sent Friday through Sunday will be answered by the following Monday. Emails should be concise, and students should expect concise replies. Schedule of Activities Read assignments before class meetings and be prepared to discuss them. Any changes in dates—including changes in exam dates—readings, or other schedule modifications will be announced in class. You are responsible for finding out about any announcements made in class.

Date

Topic

Readings (Due that Day)

Monday January 25

No Class

Wednesday January 27

Lecture: Introduction to the Course and the Blackboard Page

Monday February 1

Lecture: What and why of statistics, Introduction to SPSS

Wednesday February 3

Lab 1: Introduction to Data Sets and Variables

Monday February 8

Lecture: Frequency Distributions, Graphics, and Measures of Central Chapters 2 & 3 Tendency

Wednesday February 10

Lab 2: Producing frequency distributions, graphical representations of data, and measures of central tendency

Monday February 15

Lecture: Descriptive statistics of your data, Review for Exam 1

Wednesday February 17

Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3)

Monday February 22

Lecture: Measures of Variability

Wednesday February 24

Lab 3: Measures of Variability

Monday March 1

Lecture: The Normal Distribution

Wednesday March 3

Lab 4: Z-Score

Monday March 8

Lecture: Sampling and Sampling Distributions

Wednesday March 10

Lab 5: Sampling Distributions

Monday March 15

SPRING BREAK!!!!

Wednesday March 17

SPRING BREAK!!!!

Monday March 22

Lecture: Working with Theory Exam 2 Review

Wednesday March 24

Exam 2 (Chapters 4-6)

Assignments (Due that Day)

Chapter 1

Lab Exercise 1

Review Codebook

Lab Exercise 2

Chapter 4

Portfolio Assignment 1

Chapter 5

Lab Exercise 3

Chapter 6

Lab Exercise 4

Lab Exercise 5

Monday March 29

Lecture: Estimation

Wednesday March 31

Lab 6: Confidence Intervals

Monday April 5

Lecture: Hypothesis Testing 1: One and sample two sample t-tests

Wednesday April 7

Lab 7: One and two sample t tests

Monday April 12

Lecture: Hypothesis Testing 2: Crosstabs and Bivariate Tables Exam 3 Review

Wednesday April 14

Exam 3 (Chapters 7-8)

Monday April 19

Lecture: The Chi-Square Test and Measures of Association

Wednesday April 21

Lab 8: Cross Tabs and Contingency Tables

Monday April 26

Lecture: Bivariate Regression and Correlation

Wednesday April 28

Lab 9: Scatterplots, Pearson’s R, Simple Linear Regression, ANOVA

Monday May 3

Lecture: Multiple Regression Exam 4 Review

Wednesday May 5

Exam 4 (Chapters 9-12)

Monday May 10

Drop-in Lab: Troubleshooting your data

Final

Final Portfolio Due May 19th

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Lab Exercise 6

Chapter 9

Lab Exercise 7

Chapter 10

Lab Exercise 8

Chapters 11-12 Portfolio Assignment 2

Lab Exercise 9...