Intro to quantitative methods in sociology

 Statistics a collection of methods for planning experiments, obtaining data, andthen organizing, summarizing, presenting, analyzing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions based on the data.

 Population the complete collection of all elements (scores, people, measurements, and so on) to be studied. The collection is complete in the sense that it includes all subjects to be studied. the complete collection of all elements (scores, people, measurements, and so on) to be studied. The collection is complete in the sense that it includes all subjects to be studied.

 Census the collection of data from every member of the population.  Sample a sub-collection of elements drawn from a population.

Sampling ► In order to properly understand statistics when they are presented to you, you must understand how the study “population” was defined and sampled for ► There are many sampling designs, some superior to others  Snowball  Convenience  Random  Stratified random clusters

Operationalizing variables ► Many things that sociologists wish to study are difficult to observe (class, race, sometimes gender, as well as things like cohesiveness and conflict) and require a “working definition” ► Sociologists employ variables or parameters that, while frequently not being the actual concept to be measured, are thought to capture the phenomenon in question  Social Class example

What you can glean from these analyses ► Gives information on a broad spectrum of people ► The information is a bit rough, however ► Most useful for determining how often and to whom something is happening  Compare to qualitative modes of inquiry where the how and why are answered

Where it all goes wrong ► Bad samples producing bad data  Garbage in, garbage out ► Erroneous statistical assumptions ► Poor operationalizing of variables ► Misinterpretation of statistics

Misuses of Statistics ► Voluntary response sample (self-selected) Internet, call-in, magazine polls ► Small samples “4 out of 5 dentists prefer…” ► Self-Interest Study Company-sponsored studies ► Precise Numbers “People spent an average of $23.12 on a gift”

 Voluntary response sample (or self-selected survey) (or self-selected survey) one in which the respondents themselves decide whether to be included. In this case, valid conclusions can be made only about the specific group of people who agree to participate.  When America Online runs a poll on the internet, individuals decide themselves whether to participate, so they constitute a voluntary response sample. People with strong opinions are more likely to participate, so the responses are not representative of the whole population.  Mail- in polls, where subjects can decide whether to reply.  Telephone call- in polls, where newspaper, radio, or TV announcements ask that you pick up a phone and call a number.

Questions ► Loaded questions ► Order of questions ► Refusals (non-response)

Misleading Graphs

Misleading Pictographs Worker Salary $2000/mo Manager Salary $4000/mo

Percentages ► Percentage has to be of something ► 100% means all of it ► Percents are based on a “base” amount 10% extra savings on clearance merchandise (50% off). $100 coat -> $50 clearance price 10% extra -> $45 final, not $40

Correlation and Causation ► Just because two things have a relationship does NOT mean one causes the other. ► Even when a causal relationship is likely, we have to be careful about assuming what is the cause, and what is the effect. Golf scores and salary for CEOs Prozac and Suicide risk