Statistics for Social
Workers (3.0 credit hours)
Syllabus
Gravetter, F. J. & Wallnat4 L. B. (2005). Essentials of statistics for behavioral sciences. Fifth Edition, Thomson/Wadsworth.
Optional Text: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
6.1 for Windows student version.
Prentice Hall.
Prerequisites: SOWK 3030, SOWK 3120 & SOWK 4350 or permission of
the instructor.
This
is the first course of two in the undergraduate social work research
sequence. The course is designed to
provide the student with a basic introduction to quantitative skills, descriptive
and inferential statistics used in the social work profession. The student will also gain a fundamental
working knowledge of data description, measurement and management and their
applicability to social work research.
Levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and location, data
dispersion and variability, hypothesis testing and statistical tests will all
be covered in detail (e.g., crosstabulation analysis, z statistics, t-tests,
nonparametric statistics such as the chi-square analysis, analysis of variance
[ANOVA], correlation and linear regression).
This course will also provide the student an opportunity to explore the
utilization of microcomputers (PCs) in the analysis and presentation of data.
Upon
successful completion of this course, the student should be competent in the
following areas:
1. A comprehensive
understanding of basic statistical concepts and procedures as used in social
work research.
2. An understanding of the
function of statistical analysis as it relates to evaluating generalist social
work practice.
3. An ability to apply the most
appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical techniques of analysis to
relevant social work research and the evaluation of practice.
4. An ability to read and
understand quantitative research reports published in social work and other
related social science literature (especially in order to enhance the
understanding of social work practice methodology).
5. A demonstrated ability to
write a comprehensive research report using appropriate statistical methods.
6. A demonstrated initial
competence in the operational use of a personal computer and beginning
proficiency in using a statistical program (SPSS) to help solve research
problems.
7. A competent understanding of the ethics
involved in modem research as related to social work values as described in the
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.
8. An understanding of how various statistics
are improperly applied to matters of race, class, religion, ethnicity, gender,
rural residents, inmates and other vulnerable populations.
9. Properly prepare the student for success in
graduate school research.
Students are expected to:
1. Complete reading assignments prior to class
sessions in which they will be covered. (relates to learning objectives 1-4)
2. Complete and turn in homework on time.
(relates to learning objectives 1-9)
3. Attend all class sessions on time and
participate in class discussions in a manner so as to indicate the student
being prepared (relates to learning objectives 1-9).
4. Complete examinations on the scheduled date
(make-up exams by university approved excused absences only!). (relates to
learning objectives 1-4, 7 - 9)
Method of presentation
Instructor lectures with
relatable examples provided supplemented by class discussions.
A simple calculator will
be needed in class.
Course Evaluation
1. Quizzes: periodic unannounced attendance
quizzes will be given. The student will
be given one point for attending and partial credit if he/she submits the
correct answer(s). The question will be
derived from the previous class session's lecture.
2. Homework: Two out of class assignments will
be given (one concerning descriptive and one using inferential
statistics). Instructions will be
provided in class prior to the assignment.
3. Examinations: A mid-term and a final
examination will be given during those associated periods with the dates to be
announced in class (at least two weeks in advance).
|
Grading |
Scale % |
Grade |
|
Quizzes = 10% |
90-100 |
A |
|
Homework assignments = 30% |
80-89 |
B |
|
Mid-term Exam = 30% |
70-79 |
C |
|
Final Exam = 30% |
60-69 |
D |
|
|
<60 |
F |
NOTE: Open communication is essential to effective
social work practice. Therefore, please discuss any special needs, problems or
concerns with the instructor at the earliest possible convenience.
Part I: Introduction to
Statistics
1. What are statistics?
2. Population versus sample.
3. Scales and levels of measurement.
4. Discrete versus continuous
variables.
(READING: Text Chapter One)
Part II:
Descriptive Statistics
1. Frequency distributions (tables, graphs,
shapes of distributions)
2. Central tendency and location (mean, median,
mode, normality)
3. Variability and dispersion (range, variance,
standard deviation)
(READING: Text
Chapters 2, 3 & 4)
Part III: Inferential Statistics
1. Probability
(READING: Text Chapters 6 & 7)
2. Hypothesis testing (logic, Type I & 11
errors, directional hypotheses)
(READING: Text Chapter 8)
3. Z-scores & the t-statistic
(READING:
Text Chapters 5 & 9)
4. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
(READING: Text Chapter 13)
5. Nonparametric tests
(Chi-square)
(READING: Text Chapter 16)
5. Correlation & regression
(READING:
Text Chapter 15)
Part
IV: Conclusion
1. Report writing,
consuming social work research and ethical considerations (NO READING --
instructor notes)
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to deviate
from this course outline etc. on an as needed basis throughout the semester.
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Attendance of this class is
assessed by NSU policy. Roll will be taken
in each class. Attendance quizzes are
given without notice through the semester.
No make-up assignments for these quizzes are give under most
circumstances. In addition, most test
material will be taken from what is gone over in class sessions. Late work and missed assignments will not be
accepted without an university approved excuse. Cheating on any assignment will result in an
automatic 0 and you will risk an F semester grade.
Disability Statement
It
is the policy of NSU to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to
federal law, state law, and the University’s commitment to equal educational
opportunities. Any student with a
disability who needs accommodations, for example in seating placement or in
arrangements for examinations, should inform the instructor at the beginning of
the course. Students with disabilities
are encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities, which is
located in Kyser Hall, Room 237, telephone 357-6950 or (TTD) 357-4393
02/03/2005