In the 21st century sociologists, criminologists and political scientists can access a wealth of data contained in data repositories. To enable students to evaluate the quantitative literature and analyse survey data themselves, this course lays the foundations for three types of skills.
First, students will consider the practices of exploratory data analysis. Second, they will learn about the basics of statistical data analysis and how understand how to use data samples to test claims about social groups and their differences. Finally, they will develop skills in critical data analysis allowing them to situate statistical practice in the context of contemporary social processes, knowledges and power relations.
The course is based on a problem-based pedagogy. Students will work with survey data to learn how to produce and interpret descriptive and inferential statistics. Course activities will enable students to learn how to ask and answer research questions using techniques that include cross-tabulations, t-tests, chi-squared tests and estimates with confidence intervals.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- critically evaluate key quantitative methodologies using historical, critical and ethical approaches including indigenous perspectives;
- interpret and analyse sociological or social science research that uses statistical methods;
- use quantitative and statistical techniques to analyse social issues; and
- define key statistical concepts and explain how they can be used in social science.
Other Information
Lectures will be recorded.
Indicative Assessment
- Learning log (1500 words) (25) [LO 1]
- Project Report (2200 words) (45) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Online quizzes, 2 x 30 minutes (2 x 5%) (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Group project presentation (20) [LO 2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks, typically comprising weekly 1 hour lectures and week 2 hour practical workshops.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, statistical analysis of survey data, reading and writing
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.