Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department &Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
SOCIO 234
Introduction to Statistics in the Social Sciences
MATH 120
Co-requisite
Challenge Policy
Number of Weeks
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
18
54
Hours By Arrangement
Competency in intermediate algebra or completion of
an intermediate algebra course or the equivalent with a
grade of “C” or better.
Activity Hours
Advisory
Units
3
COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of statistics and probability with an emphasis on
collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Topics include sample design; random numbers; histograms and
frequency distributions; measures of central tendency; dispersion and position; normal and standard normal
distributions; correlation and regression coefficients; contingency tables; introductory probability; scatterplots, times lines, and recoding and transforming variables. Applications of statistical software to sociology
and/or other social science data will be included.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
Interpret and analyze quantitative information whether presented in the form of graphs, tables, or figures.
Find data on the Internet such as the raw census data from IPUMS (Integrated Public Use Micro-data Sets) or
from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Population Surveys, Expenditure Surveys, National Longitudinal
Surveys, and many others.
Extract and organize the raw data using appropriate software whether it is (1) the extraction software program
on the web sites such as FERRET used for Bureau of Labor Statistics data or (2) spreadsheet or statistical
software such as SPSS.
Create tables and charts of data (found on the Internet) using spreadsheet and/or statistical software.
Use descriptive statistics to summarize and analyze their data and interpret their charts and tables.
Interpret and use social science software and applications.
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage breakdown)
Introduction, basic vocabulary, summation notation.
Spreadsheet basics: tables, calculations, charts, and formatting.
Frequency tables and histograms.
Time lines and cross-sectional graphs.
Univariate analysis: measures of central tendency, variation, position, and box-plots.
Normal distributions and standard normal distributions.
Bivariate analysis: correlation, regression, scatter-plots, and cross-tabulations.
Multivariate analysis: regression and cross-tabulations.
On-line sources of data (raw and formatted) and data extraction software.
Statistical inference.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture
Demonstrations
Videos
Overhead projections
Power Point slides
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Social Statistics: The Basics and Beyond
Textbook Title:
Thomas J. Linneman
Author:
Routledge
Publisher:
1st Edition 2014
Edition/Date:
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Weekly Reading Assignments
Hours per week
2
Weekly Writing Assignments
Weekly Math Problems
2
Lab or Software Application Assignments
2
Other Performance Assignments
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
60
%
20
%
20
%
Evaluate knowledge of the basic vocabulary, concepts, notation, and calculations of descriptive statistics by
examination.
Evaluate knowledge of the basic vocabulary, concepts, notation, and calculations of descriptive statistics by
examination.
Ability to find, organize, and present data by a series of worksheet assignments.
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, P/NP, or SC)
X
Letter Grade
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Prepared by:
Course New/Revision Date:
Course Effective Date:
Pass / No Pass
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass
J. Vern Cromartie
March 2014
Spring/2014
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = Pass