DIVISION OF SOCIAL WORK

SWRK110 Introduction to Statistics for Social Workers

Fall 2011

Schedule: Tuesday at 6:30pm to 9:20pm (lecture & computer lab) Classroom: Mariposa Hall 1016 (lecture) & Mariposa Hall 1013 (computer lab)

Instructor: Professor Kisun Nam Office: Mariposa Hall 5029 Phone: 916.278.7069 Email: [email protected] Office hour: Tuesday 2:00pm to 5:00pm or by appointment

Course Description

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the statistics and statistical methods used in social services research. Topics covered include descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, probability distribution, introduction to empirical research methods, and the relationship of statistics to research methods. Illustrations are drawn from the field of human services. This course will teach students how to use Microsoft Excel 2003/2007 program to perform various statistical analyses. PASW (formerly SPSS) for Windows will be also briefly introduced. Statistical procedures helpful to both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be covered.

Course Objectives

Through the expected requirements of this course, students will:

1. Develop and improve critical thinking skills in producing, using and interpreting data in social work practice. 2. Understand and perform standard descriptive and inferential statistical operations. 3. Discriminate among the variety of statistics available and choose and apply those statistics most appropriate to the data to be analyzed. 4. Begin to understand the types and varieties of research that are employed in the area of human services and to learn to recognize both sound and unsound research. 5. Begin to understand the nature of empirical research and the role of statistical operations in such research, especially as it relates to research on issues of social and economic justice, multiculturalism, human diversity, ethics, and special populations. 6. Present the results of data analysis in an appropriate way. 7. Articulate a familiarity with basic statistical and research concepts. 8. Become familiar with current technology as it relates primarily to research and statistics and secondarily to practice theory, issues in HBSE and policy, and the field practicum.

1 Textbook

Required textbook

Weinbach, R.W. & Grinnell, Jr., R.M. (2010). Statistics for Social Workers. (8th Edition) Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

This textbook is available to purchase or rental at the Hornet Bookstore (916.278.6446); or you can purchase the textbook(s) via online bookstore.

Optional textbook

Salkind, N. J. (2011). Excel Statistics: A Quick Guide. Sage Publications.

This optional textbook, also available at the Hornet Bookstore (916.278.6446) or online, explains how to use the Functions and Data Analysis ToolPak in Excel to conduct statistical analyses.

Course Format

Your active participation in class discussions is expected and essential to how you will be evaluated. Be prepared to answer questions on your readings and class exercises. You are expected to ask questions and to be an active participant in the classroom learning process. The instructor expects and welcomes questions that help the class understand and clarify the topics being discussed and presented. I prefer that you bring your questions, concerns, and other issues to class so that I can clarify them for you instead of keeping quiet and then struggling elsewhere. There will be a mid-term evaluation of the instructor, so that feedback can be incorporated into the last half of the class.

Course Expectations

In order to enhance feelings of safety and to create a positive learning environment, students are expected to:

1. Attend every class, promptly; 2. Read the assigned materials BEFORE the class; 3. Do not ridicule others; 4. Mind one’s own expression of bigotry; rather than attribute a negative characteristic to a social group or to a member of that group, you may begin with, “this is how I have been taught to believe …” or “I hate to admit it but I do have the belief that …”; 5. Behave with a positive attitude; 6. Be committed to growth and self-exploration.

It is impossible to pass the course without active attendance, keeping up with the works, actively participating in class discussions, and being able to apply concepts and findings to research situations. Statistics is not the type of course wherein you can easily understand and catch up if you fall behind. If you are absent for a class, do not expect that I repeat the lesson for you.

2 Statistics is learned by the experience of actually working out problems, understanding the processes of doing them, and relating the findings to real case situations. Thus, it is important that you read the assigned course materials prior to coming to class.

Attendance Policy

Class attendance and participation is a prerequisite in receiving a passing grade. Students are expected to attend all class on time. Similar to SWRK111 (research methods) class, this class may be one of the hardest courses you face in your undergraduate social work classes. Therefore, missing classes hurt your chance for achieving an “A” grade for the semester. Note that not taking the exam is considered as missing class (see the Assignments and Grading – Exams section for detail).

Each student is allowed one free absence without a good cause (see below). Additional absence(s) without a good cause will receive deductions from the attendance portion (see the table below). More than five absences without a good cause (including one free absence) in the semester will result in the student receiving “F” grade for the semester, regardless of her/his performance in all other required assignments.

Grading for class attendance, after the one free absence without good cause:

1 additional absence –5% of class attendance portion 2 additional absences –10% of class attendance portion 3 additional absences –50% of class attendance portion 4 additional absences –100% of class attendance portion 5 or more absences automatic F grade for the course

Good cause absence(s) must be notified to the instructor via email or written note no later than a week after it happened. One who failed to notify the instructor for good cause absence(s) as stated will not be excused. One’s health issue, death of a loved one, and natural disasters (e.g. fire or earthquake) are considered by this instructor as good cause. The instructor may require additional documents (e.g. the doctor’s letter) to prove the good cause. All other issues, such as car broke down, alarm clock failed, children’s school, job interview, and so on do not constitute good cause.

Assignments and Grading

Each student’s final grade will result from adding the scores obtained from all the assignments required by the course (shown below).

1. Exams (40 points; 20 points from the highest exam score, and 20 points from the second- highest exam score)

3 There will be three exams for the semester. Each exam will have two components: to measure your mastery of statistical analysis and social science theory; and to measure your ability to calculate various statistics and to interpret or apply their meaning in a research context.

All three exams will consist of multiple choice, true-false, and short-answer questions. Exams are NOT cumulative. Table below shows the dates and coverage of each exam.

Dates Coverage Week 1 (Introduction) to Exam #1 October 4 (Week 6) Week 5 (Normal distribution) Week 7 (Hypothesis testing) to Exam #2 November 8 (Week 11) Week 10 (ANOVA) Week 12 (Chi-square) to Exam #3 December 13 (Final week) Week 15 (Wrapping-up)

All exams are provided as the online exam through SacCT. You will take those exams at the computer lab (Mariposa 1013). Detailed instructions will be provided before the exams.

Out of three exam scores, the lowest score will be dropped; two highest scores will be counted toward the exam’s 40 points, 20 points (50%) for the highest exam score and 20 points (50%) for the second highest exam score.

If for any reason you cannot take the exam on the scheduling date, make sure to arrange to take the exam ahead of time. You will not be allowed to take the exam the day after or to make-up the exam once the test is administered. ALL out of class exam must be arranged through Testing Center in Lassen Hall with a nominal fee. If the exam is scheduled with the Testing Center, it is your responsibility to turn in a copy of the appointment sheet to me at least a week ahead of time.

2. Homework assignments (50 points, or 55 points with extra credit for all correct answers)

There are ten homework assignments over the semester, 5 points per each assignment. Homework assignments are used as learning tools, rather than a measure of student mastery their first time attempting a problem. Thus, homework assignment will consist of the review questions regarding the course materials in the previous week.

Below are the grading criteria for each homework submission. Note that students can earn extra 0.5 point if they answer ALL questions correctly in each homework assignment.

Score Grading criteria 5.5 points Submit on time, and ALL answers are correct.

4 Submit on time, and showing reasonable effort to complete (ex. 5 points all questions are answered with reasonable effort) Submit on time, but lack of reasonable effort to complete (ex. 3 points some questions are not answered) 0 point Late or no submission

Homework must be printed on paper and submitted at the beginning of the class in due dates. No late submissions are accepted, except good cause absences (see attendance policy). If for any reason the students cannot attend the class (including good-cause), students may submit their homework via email attachment BEFORE the beginning of the class (6:30 pm of the class day). Email submission AFTER 6:30 pm of the class day is considered as “Late or no submission,” resulting zero point for the homework. Check the due date for each homework assignment in Course Outline below.

3. Attendance and Class Participation (10 points)

Your attendance and participation maximize your experience in the class, and together constitute 10 points of your final grade. More than five absences, including one free absence, will result in “F” grade regardless of the performance in all other required assignments. For example, if you miss four classes without good cause, you will earn 5 points out of attendance and class participation portion (one free absence and three additional absences, 50% deduction). Consult Attendance Policy (above) for details.

4. [OPTIONAL] Pre-Class Quiz (1 point each, 10 points total)

Throughout the semester, you will be given ten (10) pre-class quizzes. The pre-class quiz is design to encourage students to read the textbook BEFORE the class. Thus, each pre- class quiz will be delivered the week before the class, and available until the beginning of the class. For example, pre-class quiz #1 about Week 3, asking questions about “Frequency Distribution” in the textbook Chapter 2, will become available right after Week 2 class (September 6) and be closed by the beginning of Week 3 class (6:30pm in September 13). Students are STRONGLY encouraged (and expected) to read Chapter 2 before Week 2 class to answer the pre-class quiz #1.

Students can take pre-class quiz as many times as they want while the quiz is available; in return, one (1) point will be given to only the students who get ALL answers correct. You can take this pre-class quiz UNLIMITED times up to the week’s class, so take as many times as you want to score the 100% to receive one optional point.

As a result, your final grade is delineated as follows:

Assignments Points assigned Due dates Exams 40 Exam #1: Oct. 4 Exam #2: Nov. 15 Exam #3: Dec. 13 (final

5 week) Homework 10 assignments; See the 50/55 assignment course outline Attendance 10 Every class 10 quizzes; See the course [Optional] Quiz 10 outline Total 100 points

Grading scale is shown below. Keep in mind that your final grade will be determined by the total score you would earn through all the required assignments by the class. Social Work major students should earn “C” or better, or 70 points or higher , to receive a passing grade.

Final Grade Total Score Final Grade Total Score A 92 – 100 points C− 68 – 69 points A− 89 – 91 points D+ 64 – 67 points B+ 85 – 88 points D 60 – 63 points B 81 – 84 points D− 58 – 59 points B− 78 – 80 points F Below 58 points C+ 74 – 77 points C 70 – 73 points

Accommodation

The university is committed to providing every reasonable academic accommodation to students with disabilities. The Office of Service to Students with Disabilities (SSWD) provides university academic support services and specialized assistance to students with disabilities. Individuals who need such accommodation must notify the instructor to arrange said accommodation. This instructor is committed in every effort to accommodate all special needs. Disabilities that may require special accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Service to Students with Disabilities in Lassen Hall 1008 (916.278.6955, http://www.csus.edu/sswd/sswd.html).

Course Outline

Weeks Contents HW due Quiz Week 1 Introduction, overview, and expectation Aug. 30  Review of syllabus (Chapter 1)  Why study statistics?  Course overview

6  Introduction of Excel for statistics (Data Analysis ToolPak) Week 2 Review: Key research methodology concepts #1: Week 3 Sep. 6  Research process (Chapter 1)  Level of measurement  Independent and dependent variable  Hypothesis Week 3 Frequency distributions #2: Week 4 Sep. 13  Types of frequency distribution (Chapter 2)  Graphs and charts Week 4 Measures of central tendency and dispersion HW#1: #3: Week 5 Week 3 Sep. 20  Types of central tendency (Chapter 3)  Types of dispersion measures Week 5 Normal distribution HW#2: Week 4 Sep. 27  Shape of distribution (Chapter 4)  Characteristics of normal distribution  Other distributions  z-score: calculation and usage Week 6 Exam #1 HW#3: #4: Week 7 Week 5 Oct. 4  Exam will begin at 6:30pm on SacCT (online exam).  Review of the exam will begin at 7:45pm. Week 7 Hypothesis testing #5: Week 8 Oct. 11  Chance (sampling error) and probability (Chapter 5)  Statistical significance  Testing null hypothesis Week 8 Sampling distribution, Rejection region, and HW #4: #6: Week 9 Statistical test selection Week 7 Oct. 18  Theoretical sampling distribution of the means (Chapter 6)  Parameter estimation  Selecting a statistical test Week 9 The t-test HW #5: #7: Week Week 8 10 Oct. 25  Types of t-test (Chapter 7)  Non-parametric alternatives Week 10 Analysis of Variance HW #6:

7 Nov. 1  ANOVA as general form of t-test Week 9 (Chapter 7)  Post hoc test Week 11 Exam #2 HW#7: #8: Week Week 10 12 Nov. 8  Exam will begin at 6:30pm on SacCT (online exam).  Review of the exam will begin at 7:45pm. Week 12 Cross-tabulation and Chi-square #9: Week 13 Nov. 15  Cross-tabulation table (Chapter 8)  Calculating Chi-square Week 13 Correlation HW#8: #10: Week Week 12 14 Nov. 22  Scatterplots and correlation (Chapter 9)  Computing parametric and nonparametric correlation coefficients  Use and interpretation of correlation coefficients  Cautions about correlation Week 14 Regression HW#9: Week 13 Nov. 29  Regression equation (Chapter 10)  Simple regression Week 15 Wrapping-up HW#10: Week 14 Dec. 6  Review of course contents  Review of final exam Final Exam #3 Dec. 13,  Exam will begin at 5:15pm on SacCT (online 5:15pm- exam). 7:15pm

Note: Course schedule is subject to change.

Additional Course Information

1. PowerPoint slides and SacCT Most of the class lectures will be accompanied by PowerPoint slides presentation. PowerPoint slides, as well as other class information, will be posted in SacCT. Be sure to check SacCT for any updated information at least once a day and/or before coming to class.

2. Email

8 Most class communications will be through SacLink e-mail. Beyond your private email with Yahoo, Google, MSN, AOL, and others, it is strongly suggested that you get a public email account from Sacramento State Saclink. You may apply for a student account through the university’s SacLink desk in the University Student Union. Make sure that your email address is current with Admissions and Records. Please note that Saclink is the only email address that the university as well as your instructors can correctly communicate with you via My Sac State.

3. Quizzes There may be a number of pop quizzes given in lecture to help you monitor your learning, as well as your attendance. These quizzes will NOT count toward your grade.

4. Study groups I would strongly urge students to form study groups. Students who have done this in the past have found it very helpful, especially to prepare the exams.

5. SPSS Labs in campus You can access SPSS and Excel programs in several computer labs in campus. For more information, visit http://www.csus.edu/irt/acr/cls/.

6. Code of Ethics In the social work profession, it is expected that students will become familiar with and adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics. This code for professional behavior should guide your actions in class and in the field agency setting. Ethical violations (e.g. disrespect toward classmates and the instructor) may result in failure of this course, particularly if the instructor has previously advised a student of the violation(s).

7. Electronic device Unless you are expecting important phone calls, please turn off all your electronic devices, including cellular phone, pagers, PDA, and laptop computer. Because all lectures will be delivered at the computer lab, do not use your laptop to take note in class (PowerPoint slides will be also provided). It is the rule of this class that no laptop or PDA be used for any reason during class time. Students with disabilities that need to use special devices, including laptop/PDA, must be arranged through the Office of Service to Students with Disabilities.

9