| Unit name | Principles of Quantitative Social Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCI20069 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Whillans |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Understanding how to use, present and analyse data, select the right statistical test, interpret the results correctly and to communicate findings honestly and effectively are essential tools in social science, policy research and also in business and commerce. The aim of this research is to introduce students to the principles of statistical enquiry drawing on examples from social scientific research. It will also provide an introduction to the statistical software, SPSS. The unit forms part of the shared interdisciplinary pathway for students taking any of the '... with quantitative research methods' degree programmes in childhood studies, politics, social policy and sociology. It may be open to other students within those Schools.
On completing this unit the student will have knowledge and understanding of descriptive, inferential and relational statistics, the difference between parametric and non-parametric methods, methods of sampling, how to interpret the results of statistical analyses, how to use SPSS, and of some of the common sources of statistical dishonesty and error.
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
Portfolio of examples of data analysis (50%) Take-home exam (72 hours to complete) (50%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCI20069).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
