10. Quantitative Analysis of Social Data
11. Research Methods
13F, 14W, 14F, 15W: 10
This course provides an introduction to the methods and statistical techniques of quantitative analysis. The first part of the course deals with the methods of quantitative analysis (research design, conceptualization, operationalization, and measurement). The second part of the course introduces students to parametric and nonparametric statistics (frequency distributions, cross tabulations, measures of association, tests of significance, correlation, and bivariate regression). There is a strong emphasis in this course on applying the methods and techniques learned to actual social science data. No previous statistical or advanced mathematical training is assumed, but solid arithmetic and basic algebraic skills are necessary. Because of the large overlap in material covered, no student may receive credit for more than one of the courses: Economics 10, Government 10, Mathematics 10, Psychology 10, or Social Sciences 10, Mathematics and Social Sciences 15 or Sociology 10 by special petition. Dist: QDS. Houle.
14S, 15S: 10A
This course is designed to provide students with the practical tools of doing social science research and the theoretical background for scientific inquiry into social issues. In the first part of the course we will discuss the research process itself, as well as conceptual issues in theory building and hypothesis testing. In the second part, students will devise and carry out group and individual research projects around a substantive topic. Each project will involve a variety of research techniques, the exact use and applicability of which will be the topic of class discussions. In addition, we will discuss ethical issues and the relevance of social science research for policy making and for advocacy. Dist: SOC. McCabe.
