Statistics for the Social Sciences

This course is intended to give an introduction to the use of statistical methods in research in the social sciences.  The course includes the use of descriptive statistical methods to summarize and present data, the application of inferential statistical processes to make decisions about populations from sample data, and predictive strategies to make predictions from one variable to another, once a relationship between the two variables has been determined.

 

This course provides the foundational principles for understanding scientific research in the nursing profession.

 

The relationship of this course to the program is to build a strong foundation for nursing research.  Emphasis will be on understanding the use of Statistics in the research process and in knowing how to critically read, analyze, and begin to apply the knowledge gained from research in practice.  The focus of this course will be quantitative analysis which includes: variables and hypothesis if applicable, research questions, ethical considerations, research designs, study populations, data collection and analysis, and the interpretation of findings.  Additionally, students will also examine trends and issues in developing evidence based practice for the nursing profession.  The course also introduces students to the descriptive and inferential statistical concepts required to understand and critique quantitative research designs.