ps 225 lecture 1
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PS 225 Lecture 1. Introduction Quantitative and Qualitative Research Basic Mathematics Review. Goal. Prepare for the course by addressing course administration, establishing a broad context and verifying possession of requisite mathematical skills. Today’s Agenda. Class Introduction - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
PS 225Lecture 1
Introduction
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Basic Mathematics Review
Goal
Prepare for the course by addressing course administration, establishing a broad context and verifying possession of requisite mathematical skills
Today’s Agenda Class Introduction Basic Mathematics Review Next Class
Introductions
About Me: Meghan Cherry Master of Public Policy Master of Industrial Engineering Employment in Applied Statistical Analysis
Barclays Capital University of Michigan Hospital Operations University of Michigan Hospital Government
Relations
Availability Office Hours
By Appointment - Feel free to schedule alternative meeting times!
Email [email protected] Expect day delay in answering emails
Phone Cell: 989-413-9004 Call between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Expect day delay in answering voicemail SVSU Weather Line (989) 964-4477
Course Goals
Introduce students to basic statistical methods in the social sciences
Teach students to make and respond to arguments using statistical data
Communication Intensive
This course will develop abilities in a range of written and oral modes of academic discourse, with an emphasis on developing the ability to construct coherent, well-documented arguments in the presence of a wide range of perspective and experiences
Basic Statistical Methods
Data Types and Data Collection Descriptive Statistics Inferential Statistics Bivariate Statistics
Course Materials
The Essentials of Statistics: A Tool for Social Research and Student Guide
SPSS Quickstarts A Writer’s Resource: A Handbook for
Writing and Research Basic Scientific Calculator Software: SPSS
Available in Computer Labs Student Version with Book
Website
www.megcherry.com
All course materials posted
Grading
Daily in-class assignments (20%) Final Notebook (10%) Quizzes (5%) Three tests and final exam (15,15,15
and 15%) Attendance (5%)
Grade Scale
93-100% A
90-93% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
70-76% C
60-69% D
0-60% F
Grade Calculations
You are responsible for keeping track of your own grade.
A grade calculation is the same as the calculation of a weighted mean- something you learn to do in this class!
Honor Code
As a student at Saginaw Valley State University:I am committed to upholding a high standard of academic integrity
in all of my work, inside and outside of the classroom. Out of respect for my peers, professors, institution, and self, I will complete all tasks honestly and to the best of my ability.
I am guided by my conscience as I work toward my educational and personal goals, and I expect my fellow students to practice that same moral judgment.
I take pride in my academic accomplishments and therefore will not give or receive unauthorized assistance on any assignment, project, exam or other university requirement.
I seek to maintain the honor of a Saginaw Valley State University degree, and I will preserve its value throughout my professional career.
Don’t cheat- It isn’t worth it!
Disabilities
Of you have a disability that may restrict your participation in the course:
Contact the instructor immediately Contact the Office of Disability Services
in Curtis 112 for Assistance
Policy Exceptions
Exceptions require documentation of circumstances
Must be handled in advance whenever possible
For a more extensive treatment, refer to the syllabus
Additional Resources
Writing Center, Zahnow 308
Writing Center
Services: Assist with all components of writing Identify and address grammar issues
Getting Help: Walk-ins are welcome Online tutoring available 24/7
Course Schedule
Tentative and subject to change based on class progress
Class speed is largely determined by the number and type of questions asked during the lecture portion of the course
Questions
What is Statistics?
A numerical discipline that involves collecting, organizing, interpreting and presenting data
Branches of Statistics
Descriptive statistics are used to describe the characteristics of a set of data
Inferential statistics are used to make conclusions, estimates or forecasts
Goal of Statistics
Understand the world around usMake informed decisions
Everyday Statistical Statements
I’m more likely to pass this test if I start studying early
On average, I sleep six hours a night
Statistics allows us to quantify these familiar ideas and understand the element of chance or randomness.
Research Methods
Qualitative- analysis of words, pictures, objects and other non-numerical data Case Studies Interviews
Quantitative- analysis of numerical data Physical Measurements Statistics
Goals
Qualitative- a complete description of a phenomena
Quantitative- classify, count or use mathematical models to explain phenomena
Prerequisites
Qualitative- may have only partially identified what knowledge is desired from the research
Quantitative- desired knowledge is carefully and completely identified before research begins whenever possible
Use
Qualitative- used independently or often in the beginning stages of a larger research project
Quantitative- used independently or often in the end stages of a larger research project
Design
Qualitative- frequently modified as study progresses
Quantitative- established fully before the beginning of data collection
Nature of Data
Qualitative- subjective, relying largely on the researcher’s interpretation
Quantitative- as objective as possible
Researcher
Qualitative- becomes immersed in subject matter
Quantitative- attempts to maintain a separate, objective relationship to the data
Strengths and Weaknesses
Qualitative Data is ‘rich’ Time consuming Difficult to generalize
Quantitative Data is very specific and difficult to
contextualize Efficient to collect Can be used to test general hypotheses
Balancing Research Methods
Quantitative and qualitative research in partnership build a more comprehensive world view than either type alone
Statistical analyses and data collection should be informed by qualitative research
Basic Mathematics Review
Personal assessment of class readiness Please consult the instructor immediately
if you have ANY difficulties with the review
Order of Operations
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
ParenthesesExponentM
ultiplication
Division
AdditionSubtraction
Reading For Next Class Census Sampling Confusion
http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_arc99/3_6_99/bob1.htm Why the 2010 Census stirs up partisan politics
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1879667,00.html