SOCS 3305.

002 (11774)
Introduction to Social Statistics

Spring 2006

Class Day, Time, & Location: Tues & Thur, 2:00–3:15pm, SOM 1.102
Instructor, Instructor Email: Mrs. Terri Nelson; for email use WebCT
Instructor’s Office Location, Days & Hours: GR 3.318, Tue. 3:45-4:45 or by appointment

COURSE GOALS
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to the concepts and techniques used to answer
research questions via statistical analysis. Topics will include descriptive statistics, inference from
samples, hypothesis testing, and the basics of regression analysis.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Required Text: Levin and Fox (2003). Elementary Statistics in Social Research, 9th Edition. The 10th
Edition of this textbook is also acceptable. (Check the homework conversion matrix.)
Required items: A non-programmable calculator that can take square roots.
Required Prerequisite: College Algebra (MATH 1314 or equivalent)

QUIZZES, EXAMS, AND GRADING

Quizzes: Quizzes are worth 10% of your grade. Several will be given throughout the semester and
will not be announced in advance.
Exams: A composite score of your exams is worth 90% of your grade. Your composite exam score
will be calculated based on either 1) the average of the first three exams OR 2) the average of the
best three scores of the four exams offered this semester. Of the four exams offered, only the final
exam is comprehensive. The final exam is optional only if you have less than a B average and have
taken all three prior exams. However, if you have taken all three prior exams and have a B average,
you can choose to take the final exam in an attempt improve your grade. It is not optional if you
missed one of the three prior exams. There will be NO make-up exams. Exams are “open-book.”
You can use your notes, handouts, homework problems, and the assigned textbook. You cannot
talk to another person. The work must be your own work.
Grading: Once the grades are averaged, the grades will be assigned as follows: 97 to 100=A+, 93
to 96=A, 90 to 92=A-, 87 to 89=B+, 83 to 86=B, 80 to 82=B-, 77 to 79=C+, 73 to 76=C, 70 to
72=C-, 67 to 69=D+, 63 to 66=D, 60 to 62=D-, 59 or below = F.
Other: You can obtain your grades by checking WebCT. At the end of the term, check WebCT and/or
the automated SIS system to see your course grade.

HOMEWORK
Completing the homework is a key component to the successful completion of this course. Although it
will not be graded, bring your homework on the day it is due for class discussion. Also, take it to the
Statistics Lab and use the lab for raising questions you have about the homework. Note: Since the 10th
Ed. of the textbook can also be used, check WebCt for the Homework Conversion Matrix for each
Chapter’s homework assignment to find the homework problem number appropriate to each Edition.

WEBCT
I will use WebCT in this course for email and posting grades. Therefore, you must have a working
UTD netid and a password. Contact the computing center or help desk if you have any questions about
getting a UTD netid and setting your password.

1 of 2 pgs
 SOCS 3305.002 (11774)
Introduction to Social Statistics

COURSE CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Dishonesty: Scholastic dishonesty is not tolerated at UTD. Refer to the university catalog to
become familiar with university policy regarding scholastic dishonesty and its consequences. Let me
just remind you that cheating is a serious matter. If caught, you will receive an F in this course and
possibly worse scholastic punishment. Don’t take the chance.
Attendance and Participation: Class time will combine lecture with some occasional class
participation and some group work. To be successful in this course, class attendance and participation
is not only highly recommended, but a key factor to success.
Special Needs / Accessibility: If you have a condition that requires accommodation in this course,
please speak with me after class or during my office hours as soon as possible. If necessary, I will also
be happy to make appropriate accommodations that are consistent with recommendations from
Disability Services. Disability Services is located in Room 1.610 in the Student Union and can be
reached at 972-883-2098 (Voice or TTY) or by web at www.utd.edu/student/slife/hcsvc.html .
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learning Center: McDermott Library Building in Room MC 2.402, 972-883-6707
www.utdallas.edu/dept/ugraddean/lrc.html
Counseling Center: Student Union 1.608, 972-883-2575 http://www.utdallas.edu/counseling/
Form a study group with classmates…I urge you to do this.

COURSE CALENDAR
Date Course Work / Chapters / Exam
January 10, 12 Chapter 1 & 2: Introduction / Organizing the Data
January 17, 19 Chapter 3: Measures of Central Tendency
January 24, 26 Chapter 4: Measures of Variability
January 31 FIRST EXAM: Chapters 1 – 4
February 2, 7 Chapter 5: Probability and the Normal Curve
February 9, 14 Chapter 6: Samples and Populations
February 16, 21 Chapter 7: Testing for Differences between Means
February 23, 28 Chapter 8: Analysis of Variance
March 2 SECOND EXAM: Chapters 5 – 8
March 6 SPRING BREAK
March 14, 16 Chapter 9: Nonparametric Tests of Significance
March 21, 23, 28 Chapter 10: Correlations
March 30 Chapter 11: An Overview of Regression Analysis
April 4, 6 Chapter 11: (Continued)
April 11, 13 tba
April 18 THIRD EXAM: Chapters 9 – 11
April 25 FINAL EXAM (optional)
**Homework Assignments will be announced in class and are posted on the web.**
2 of 2 pgs