ASOB16107U Basic Statistics
Compulsory course on the 2nd semester BSc in
sociology
Please note:
This course is not open to credit- and Exchange students
This course builds up on the general knowledge and familiarity gained with quantitative methods and working with data in R students gained in Elementary Sociological Methods I to enable them to become competent consumers of current quantitative sociological work and skilled producers of basic statistical analyses. The course progression starts with a broad overview of statistics and its applications, covers basic descriptive measures and visualizations, then introduces ordinary least squares regression as the workhorse of contemporary quantitative sociology, and closes with the fundamentals of how to go from describing relationships to assessing whether they represent reliable patterns or simple chance.
Knowledge
Account for the logic and use of:
- levels of measurement and scale quality
- univariate measures of categorical and continuous variables
- z-standardization
- frequency and cross-tables
- basic measures of relations such as correlation
- ordinary least squares (OLS) regression
- statistical controls in regression analysis
- fundamentals of sampling theory
- fundamentals of inferential statistics, including hypothesis
testing through t-tests
Students learn to account for these topics. They learn to
explain the logic behind the use of statistical moments,
statistical test theory and statistical control in cross-reference
tables in social science research. They also learn to reflect on
the potential and limitations of statistical generalisation,
statistical control and the use of statistical moments and
measurements of relations.
Skills
- calculate and report descriptive statistical measures for categorical and continuous variables
- produce and report on frequency, cross-, and summary descriptive tables
- implement basic variable transformations such as standardization or binarizing variables
- calculate and report basic measures of relations such as correlations
- conduct and report the result of bivariate and multiple OLS regression with categorical and continuous predictors
- formulate, conduct, and report the results of statistical hypothesis tests e.g., for group means and relative comparisons
- critically evaluate results of basic statistical analyses in
relation to a given problem in a way that demonstrates an
understanding of quantitative data and methodology, including its
potential and limitations.
Competencies
- acquire familiarity with advanced quantitative methods such as causal inference and data mining
- convert their knowledge and skills in quantitative analyses into reports or studies involving competent use of basic descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.
De Veaux, Richard D., Paul F. Velleman, and David. E. Bock. 2021. Stats: Data and Models. 5th, Globa ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 125
- Exercises
- 28
- Exam
- 25
- Total
- 206
Registration deadline for courses is:
June 1st for Autumn semester
December 1st for Spring semester.
When registered you will be signed up for exam.
Sociology Student (from KU):
Registration online at KUnet
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Portfolio, -
- Type of assessment details
- Individual.
A portfolio assignment is defined as a series of short assignments during the course that address one or more set questions and feedback is offered during the course. All of the assignments are submitted together for assessment at the end of the course. The portfolio assignments must be no longer than 10 pages in total.
Further details for this exam form can be found in the Curriculum and in the General Guide to Examinations at KUnet. - Exam registration requirements
Students need to hand in 10 quizzes throughout the course to be eligible for the exam.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
Policy on the Use of Generative AI Software and Large Language Models in Exams
The Department of Sociology prohibits the use of generative AI software and large language models (AI/LLMs), such as ChatGPT, for generating novel and creative content in written exams. However, students may use AI/LLMs to enhance the presentation of their own original work, such as text editing, argument validation, or improving statistical programming code. Students must disclose if and how AI/LLMs have been used in an appendix, which will not count toward the page limit of the exam. This policy is in place to ensure that students’ written exams accurately reflect their own knowledge and understanding of the material.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Exam period
Find more information on your study page at KUnet.
Exchange students and Danish full degree guest students please see the homepage of Sociology;
www.sociology.ku.dk under Education --> Exams- Re-exam
If the re-exam is taken during the ordinary exam period: see ordinary exam form
If the re-exam is taken during the re-exam period:
The students are required to formulate their own exam questions based on pre-defined guidelines provided by the teacher. The teacher is required to provide at least two exemplary exam questions that adhere to the guidelines.
NOTE!
This is a mandatory course, and it is therefore only possible to take the exam during the spring, as the course is not offered in the fall
Criteria for exam assesment
Please see the learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- ASOB16107U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 semester
- Placement
- Spring
- Schedule
- See Timetable
- Course capacity
- Vejl. 100 personer
Study board
- Department of Sociology, Study Council
Contracting department
- Department of Sociology
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Course Coordinators
- Mengni Chen (4-6f67656a42757165306d7730666d)
- Jesper Fels Birkelund (6-73697d3b3a3d4768737c74757035727c356b72)