SYLLABUS
SOC 5070/STAT 5070
SPRING 2013
STATISTICAL METHODS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Class meets Mondays at 3:10-5:40pm in CR 207
Instructor: Dr. Anna Zajacova
Email: zajacova@uwyo.edu
Office: 421 Ross Hall
Office hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 11:00 am -12:30 pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The majority of research in the social sciences is quantitative. The most widely-used
quantitative approach is regression modeling, meaning analysis where some dependent
variable is modeled as a function of one or more predictors. This course will provide a solid
foundation in the multiple linear model as the basic form of the regression approach. We
will focus on applying the techniques appropriately, interpreting the findings and writing
them up for a research paper or a thesis, as well as diagnosing and correcting potential
problems. We will also briefly cover some extensions of this basic model, in particular
logistic regression for binary dependent variables. The focus of the course is on applied
statistics; we will be using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
throughout the semester to conduct analyses.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of the class, students will be able to
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Understand basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics
Conduct and interpret a statistical analysis for a research paper of a master's thesis
Comprehend and critically evaluate most quantitative social science research articles
Write solid quantitative reports as may be required in your future employment
Gain an appreciation for rigorous statistical thinking
Apply the analytical reasoning from the class to other areas of your study and beyond
COURSE STRUCTURE:
The classes will combine lectures with student participation, individual and group exercises,
hands-on SPSS work, and writing up findings. In order to participate in the class, students
are expected to complete the assigned readings and homework prior to the class.
PREREQUISITES:
STAT 2070: Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences or an equivalent introductory
statistics class. Basic knowledge of elementary applied descriptive and inferential statistics
is assumed although fundamentals will be briefly reviewed at the beginning of the course.
Prior experience with SPSS statistical software is not required.
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SYLLABUS
SOC 5070/STAT 5070
SPRING 2013
REQUIRED TEXTS:

Alan Agresti and Barbara Finlay (2008). “Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences”
(4th Edition). ISBN-10: 0205646417.

Marija Norusis (2008). “SPSS 16.0 Guide to Data Analysis” (2nd Edition,
Paperback). ISBN-10: 0136061362.
GRADING:

Homework, 34% of the final grade. There will be weekly homework assignments, to
be turned in at the beginning of class. Each week will be worth the same proportion of
the total 34%. The lowest homework score is dropped when calculating the final grade.
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In-class or take-home tests, 24% of the final grade. There will be 3 tests, each
worth 8% of the final grade. The tests will include a combination of paper-and-pencil
problems and working with the statistical software to analyze data. The dates of the
tests are February 18, March 25, and April 29.

Final project, 36% of the final grade. The project will be a complete though relatively
brief research paper. The paper will include an abstract, introduction, data and
methods, results, discussion, tables/figures, and references. The total length is about
12-18 pages, double-spaced with Times New Roman font 12 or equivalent. The
emphasis will be on appropriate data analyses and clear interpretation of findings, but
also on solid conceptual framing of the research question, adequate literature review,
and discussion of the results. The topic will be chosen by the students after
consultation with the instructor, within constraints of the available data. The paper will
be developed during the semester in 3 discrete gradual stages. You will begin with a
brief description of the data and a sketch of your conceptual argument for the paper.
Gradually you will add analyses and their interpretation. Finally, you will pull everything
together in the complete. I will provide comments at each stage to help you develop
the project to a successful completion. The three stages will be worth 9%, 11%, and
16%, respectively. A hard copy of the final draft is due in my office on May 9 by
5:00pm. We will discuss additional specifics of the project during the semester.
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Class participation, 6% of the final grade. This part will capture class preparation
(readings completed as assigned prior to class), attendance and appropriate
participation in discussions, focused work during classes, etc.
Please note. There will be no makeup tests for unexcused absences. Unexcused late
assignments may be penalized 20% for each day past due, including holidays and
weekends. Late homework may not be accepted.
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SYLLABUS
SOC 5070/STAT 5070
SPRING 2013
IMPORTANT DATES:
January 14
First class
January 21
University holiday, no class
February 18
Test #1
March 18
Spring break, no class
March 25
Test #2
April 1
Project stage #1 due
April 22
Project stage #2 due
April 29
Last class. Test #3
May 9
Final project due at 5:00 pm
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS
1. Introduction, types of variables, SPSS
2. Univariate and bivariate descriptives
3. Probability distributions, logic of statistical inference, sampling distributions
4. Univariate inference: confidence intervals & hypothesis testing, focus on pop. mean
5. Bivariate inference: two-sample t-tests, bivariate correlation, Chi-square tests
6. Simple linear regression
7. Categorical and continuous predictors, model fit
8. Multiple linear regression
9. Logistic regression
10. Topics in regression: interactions, diagnostics, missing data
During every class, I will announce the topic or topics to be covered during the following
class. I will also announce the chapters or other readings you will need to study prior to the
class in order to be prepared.
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SYLLABUS
SOC 5070/STAT 5070
SPRING 2013
ADDITIONAL ISSUES
Attendance:
Class attendance is assumed mandatory. Students are responsible for all announcements,
lecture notes, and exercises we cover in class even if there is a valid reason to miss a
class. If you miss a class, please contact your colleagues first to get information about the
missed class and class notes.
Please make sure you have printing privileges. We will be doing a lot of hands-on work in
class and you may need to print documents out to share with your colleagues.
Students' rights and responsibilities:
Please refer to the University of Wyoming Regulation 8-30 for information concerning your
rights and responsibilities as a University of Wyoming student.
Students with disabilities:
If you have physical, learning, or psychological disabilities that require accommodations,
please let me know as soon as possible. You must register with, and provide documentation
of your disability to University Disability Support Services (UDSS) in SEO, room 109 Knight
Hall.
Academic Honesty:
The University of Wyoming is built upon a strong foundation of integrity, respect and trust.
All members of the University community have a responsibility to be honest and the right to
expect honesty from others. Any form of academic dishonesty is unacceptable to our
community and will not be tolerated. Attempts at cheating or plagiarism will result in a
grade of F (0 points) for the assignment or exam, lowered final grade, or additional
repercussions.
Suspected violations of standards of academic honesty should and will be reported to the
instructor, department head, or dean. University regulations regarding academic honesty
can be found at: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/legal/universityregulations.htm.
Note on classroom etiquette:
Appropriate behavior is expected of all students, in order to facilitate a supportive learning
environment. Any activities not related to the class material must be conducted outside of
the classroom, including any online networking, or in-person communication. Cell phones
must be turned off and no conversation or texting is acceptable.
Complaints:
Student Complaints should be addressed through the following chain of authority:
1. Instructor (Dr. Anna Zajacova)
2. UW Sociology Department Chair (Dr. Donna Barnes)
3. UW Dean of Arts and Sciences (Dr. Oliver Walter)
4. UW Vice President for Academic Affairs (Dr. Myron Allen)
Please note: I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus during the semester.
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