Social Statistics
SOAA 3350-R50
3 Credit hours

Course Information
Course Description: This course is an introduction to statistical techniques commonly used in the analysis of data from many sources. Emphasis is placed on the assumptions, restrictions, and uses of various methods of analyzing data rather than on the mathematical derivation of formulae.
Course Objectives: The basic objectives of the course include:
  • overcoming some of the myths and fears associated with statistical analysis;
  • learning to think "statistically" and to share the vocabulary of data analysts;
  • providing a basic working knowledge of fundamental statistical analyses;
  • introducing you to various software programs and the Internet;
  • avoiding the passive "learning" format typically encountered in traditional statistics courses;
  • preparing you to become a critical consumer of information;
  • peaking your intellectual curiosity about the world around you.
Prerequisites and Corequisites:  
Course Topics: Course topics include:
  • descriptive statistics
  • inferential statistics
  • sampling
  • normal distribution
  • probability
  • bivariate and multivariate statistics
Specific Course Requirements: In order to successfully complete this course you will need the following items:
  • access to a computer with connection to the Internet. The minimum recommended connection speed is 28.8 Kps.
  • a Web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (or later) or Netscape Navigator 4.0 (or later) is strongly recommended,
  • and e-mail software that permits sending attachments. Some assignments will require you to have access to SPSS. 
  • time and patience. Prior research has suggested that students enrolled in online statistics courses outperform students in traditional courses if they are willing to invest the time "networking" with fellow students. You will be exposed to a great deal more in this course than in a traditional statistics course.
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com
Supplementary Materials: For students who have access to SPSS Version 10.0 - text with study guide (check with TBR Virtual Bookstore regarding the order)

For students who do NOT have access to SPSS Version 10.0 - text with study guide and SPSS 10.0 – see Virtual Bookstore for details

There is no Student Version of  SPSS 10.0 for Apple; contact SPSS (www.spss.com) to purchase the full version.

SPSS 10.0 for Windows Student Version or have access to this software, solutions manual.
 
Hardware Requirements: See RODP Minimum Requirements
Software Requirements: See RODP Minimum Requirements
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures: The course grade will consist of two major components: homework and quizzes/exams.
Grading Procedure: Homework will be submitted each week. Quizzes will be taken online at your convenience by Friday of each week. 3 major exams will be administered online, which will require a proctor. 
Grading Scale: Final grades are based on the following scale:

A = 90 & up

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 0-59
 
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
Class Participation:  
Punctuality: The deadline for submitting homework and quizzes is 5:00 PM on Friday of each week during the term . 
Course Ground Rules
Ground rules for the course include:
  • learn how to navigate in WebCT
  • keep informed of course announcements by logging onto the course Web site 5-7 times per week
  • use WebCT email as opposed a personal e-mail address
  • address technical problems immediately
  • observe course netiquette at all times
  • keep in contact with me on a regular basis
  • manage your time wisely
Guidelines for Communications
Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members.
Discussion Groups: Examples:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Chat: Examples:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.
Web Resources:

Examples:

Library
The Tennessee Board of Regents Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities
Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes
The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

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