Statistics for the Social Sciences: Family Values

Level: Undergraduate

Division: The New School for Public Engagement

School: School of Undergraduate Studies

Department: Social Sciences

Course Number: NSOC 3006

Course Format: Lecture

Location: NYC campus

Permission Required: No

Description:
Our world is saturated with information generated through statistical analysis. We are bombarded with facts and figures from all areas of society. Learning how statistics are generated and what the data mean is important for everyone, from quantitative researchers to consumers. This course is an introduction to such statistical analysis. Students learn the underlying theory of statistics and the mechanics of hypothesis testing, z-tests and t-tests, ANOVA, linear regression, and other concepts. In addition to learning how to execute these statistical functions, they use data from existing sources to develop their ability to engage with and critique statistical data. The class examines census data, the General Social Survey, data from political think tanks, polls compiled by media outlets, and data from scholarly articles. This term, the class learns how to respond to statistical data collection and presentation through an exploration of subjects relating to gender and sexuality. By looking at such topics as the gender binary system, the use of data on sexually transmitted disease and sexual health, and variations in sexual choice and lifestyle, students develop an understanding of how statistics are used on a daily basis to regulate and guide our gendered and sexual ways of life. This course satisfies application requirements for graduate school in psychology and other social sciences.