MCCCD Program Description

Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government

Course: SWU225

First Term: 2016 Spring

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics for social research. Designed to serve as preparation for interpreting and understanding research related to Justice and Government related agencies.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define statistical terms related to social research. (I) 2. Distinguish among different types of data and the scales used to measure them. (I) 3. Distinguish between continuous and discrete variables. (I) 4. Describe the concept of frequency distributions and their uses. (II) 5. Describe techniques used in graphing frequency data. (II) 6. Define central tendency and its measures. (III) 7. Define dispersion and its measures. (IV) 8. Describe the normal distribution and its characteristics. (V) 9. Define z-scores and describe the method of deriving them. (V) 10. Distinguish among classical, empirical, and subjective approaches to assigning probability values to outcomes and events. (VI) 11. Describe formal properties of probability. (VI) 12. Distinguish between definitions of probability for discrete and continuous variables. (VI) 13. Describe the relationship of z-scores to probability. (VI) 14. Describe the purpose of sampling and the relationship of a sample to the population. (VII) 15. Explain the concept of estimating parameters from samples. (VII) 16. Define sampling distribution. (VII) 17. Define the standard error of the estimate and describe its relationship to the size of a sample. (VII) 18. Describe the concept of hypothesis testing. (VIII) 19. Define the terms alpha and confidence interval. (VIII) 20. Define Type I and Type II errors and describe their relationship to alpha and confidence interval. (VIII) 21. Distinguish among and describe significant tests related to the mean. (IX) 22. Describe the concepts of correlation and simple linear regression. (X) 23. Describe significance tests related to categorical (nominal) data. (XI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Introduction to Statistics A. Definition B. Common statistical terms related to social research C. Types of data D. Measurement scales E. Continuous and discrete variables II. Frequency Distributions and Graphing Techniques A. Frequency distributions B. Graphing techniques III. Measures of Central Tendency A. Mean B. Mode C. Median IV. Measures of Dispersion A. Range B. Variance C. Standard deviation V. Normal Distribution A. Characteristics B. Z-scores VI. Probability A. Approaches B. Formal properties C. Discrete vs continuous variables D. Relationship to z-scores VII. Sampling and Sampling Distributions A. Purpose B. Relationship of sample to population C. Estimating parameters from samples D. Sampling distributions E. The standard error of the estimate VIII. Hypothesis Testing A. Null and alternative hypotheses B. Alpha and confidence intervals C. Types of errors IX. Significance Tests Related to the Mean A. Single sample B. Independent samples C. Matched samples X. Correlation and Simple Linear Regression A. Concept of correlation B. Null and alternative hypotheses C. Pearson r D. Prediction and simple linear regression XI. Chi Square (categorical or nominal data) A. Goodness of fit (1 variable) B. Test of independence (2 variables)

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 12/9/2008

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.