Rev 06/14/09 Sociology 360, Statistics for Sociologists I Lecture 1, Spring 2009 Instructor: Hongyun Han 4407 Sewell Social Science 608-890-2014 [email protected] Office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday 3:00 PM-4:00PM or by appointment Classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1:00pm-2:15pm, 4322 Sewell Social Science Course description: This is a first course in statistics designed for students in the social sciences. The first part of the course focuses on descriptive statistics. We will cover strategies for exploring and interpreting data and for examining relationships between variables. Topics covered include: describing data with bar charts, boxplots, and histograms; summary statistics; the normal distribution; scatterplots and correlation; regression; and two-way tables. We will also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various methods of data production. The second part of the course focuses on statistical inference. In this part of the course, we will discuss the logic and methods of making inferences about populations from sample data. In so doing, you will learn how to test hypotheses with a variety of statistical tests. Topics in this section include: the meaning of statistical significance, how to calculate confidence intervals, and how to conduct statistical tests for means, count data, and regressions. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and basic algebra skills. Course website: The course website is available through Learn@UW. If you are enrolled in the course, you can access the site by going to http://learnuw.wisc.edu and entering your NetID and password. Once there, click on the link to Soc 360 under “My Madison Courses.” Course materials: Required Text: Moore, Davis S. 2007. The Basic Practice of Statistics, Fourth Edition. New York: W.H. Freeman. (Available at the University Bookstore.) Optional Text: o Fligner, Michael A. and William I. Notz. 2006. Study Guide for Moore’s the Basic Practice of Statistics, Fourth Edition. New York: W.H. Freeman. (Available at the University Bookstore.) The study guide offers a review of each section’s concepts and step-by-step solutions to selected problems. Web Resources: Moore’s text comes with many useful online supplements that you are encouraged to explore (http://bcs.whfreeman.com/bps4e). These include self-quizzes, 1Rev 06/14/09 additional exercises, statistical applets, and data sets. In addition, all of the materials available on the free site are on the CD that comes with your textbook. Calculators: You will need a calculator for the homework assignments and exams. It should have a square root and a power function. I recommend the Texas Instruments TI-36X Solar (available at the University Bookstore Digital Outpost), which runs about $20. Software: You will use EXCEL spread sheet for homework assignment. Additionally, I will use the statistical package STATA for class. I will provide brief instruction of using STATA in class and post relevant data/codes on the class website at Learn@UW after class. For starters, the “Introduction to STATA” at http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/sscc/pubs/4-9.htm will be useful. Outside of class, you can access STATA in the Social Science Microcomputer classroom in 3218 Social Science or in 4218 Social Science. Homework: There will be homework problems assigned for each lecture, which will usually be due at the beginning of class (1:00 PM) on Mondays and Thursdays. Homework received after 1:00 PM on Mondays and Thursdays will be counted as late. Homework will not be accepted after 5:00 PM on Mondays and Thursdays. Problem sets will be returned and discussed in class. Grading of Homework: Homework will be graded on a “+,” “”, “-“ system. Exemplary assignments will be given “+”s (those that are virtually entirely correct and well-documented), “”s will be given for good assignments, but which have significant deviations from the “+” standard, and “-”s will be given for poor or incomplete assignments. You may also receive a “+” or “-” as an intermediary grade. If you miss a week or turn in an exceptionally poor assignment, you will receive a “0.” Correct answers will be provided after 5:00PM at course website at Learn@UW. Penalty for Late Homework Assignments: Homework turned in after 1:00PM but before 5:00 PM will receive a maximum score of a “.” If the assignment would have received a “” if turned in on time, it will receive a “-.” Homework will not be accepted after 5:00 PM on Mondays and Thursdays. Turn in any late assignments to Instructor Hongyun Han’s box on the 4th floor of the Social Science building. If an emergency prevents you from turning in your homework on time, you may be able to get a short extension on the homework by contacting me before the assignment is due. In addition, since we understand that your schedule may not permit you to devote as much time as you would like to all of the homework assignments, your lowest score will be dropped when computing your final grade. Cooperating on Homework Assignments: You are encouraged to discuss the problems on the homework assignments with other students in the class to further your understanding of the material, but you must write them up independently. Exams: 2Rev 06/14/09 There will be three non-cumulative exams. Exam questions will consist of a mix of multiple choice, true/false, and open-ended questions, requiring you to interpret results, discuss appropriate analytic methods, and perform relevant calculations. You may bring your calculator to the exams but you must show enough handwork to demonstrate understanding. Make-up Examinations. If you cannot take an exam because of an unavoidable scheduling conflict (e.g., religious holiday, athletic event), you must contact the instructor via email at least 1 weeks prior to the exam date. If you have an emergency that prevents you from taking an exam, contact the instructor as soon as possible. Permission of the instructor is required in order to take a make-up exam. A make-up exam will be scheduled either before or after the original exam date. Be aware that the make-up exam may be different from and more difficult than the original exam. Lectures: Lectures focus on basic concepts and their application as presented in Moore. Attendance and participation are expected, and will contribute to your final grade. Your