In the 21st century sociologists, criminologists and political scientists can access a wealth of information contained in survey 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 theoretical underpinnings of survey design. Second, they will learn about the basics of statistical theory and understand which samples do and do not represent populations of interest. Finally, they will learn to use Stata, a software package that many social scientists choose for data analysis. The course is based on an inquiry-led pedagogy. Therefore, students will learn while designing and conducting their own research project, based on their investigation of survey data. The project will be written up as a research report that meets basic criteria set for survey-based publications in sociology, criminology or political science.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and evaluate quantitative research articles;
- design a basic survey questionnaire and analyse survey data to answer specific research questions with cross-tabulations, t-tests, correlations and ordinary least squares regressions;
- understand the concept of random sampling and its relationship to statistical inferences;
- write survey analysis reports to professional standards; and
- formulate and answer ad hoc verbal queries about statistical procedures and software.
Other Information
Lectures will be recorded.
Indicative Assessment
- Examination, 3 hours (held during the formal examination period) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Assignment (1800 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Assignment 2 (2200 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Online quizzes, 5 x 30 minutes (2% each, for a total of 10%) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Tutorial, workshop and lab participation (15) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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) 34 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 18 hours of lectures, 4 interactive workshops, 8 PC computer laboratories and 4 tutorials
b) 96 hours of independent student research, statistical analysis of survey data, reading and writing
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
NA
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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3180 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4890 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4185 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | View |
