Peer Review

Data Analysis Exercises on Confidence in Societal Institutions and Spending Priorities

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Reviewed:: May 15, 2017 by Sociology

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Ratings

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Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: There are four exercises that use data from the 2014 General Social Survey to explore confidence in societal institutions and spending priorities. These exercises could be used to help students learn the principles of quantitative analysis. Statistical topics covered include frequency distributions, crosstabs, two and three variable tables, percents, Chi Square, and measures of association. Each exercise consists of five files – the data set in SPSS format, extended notes to the instructor, the SPSS syntax necessary to carry out the exercise, and the SPSS output for the exercise. The exercise itself is available in both in HTML and Microsoft Word (docx) format.
Type of Material:: Assignment.
Recommended Uses:: These could be used in-class for demonstrating statistical procedures by the instructor. It could be assigned as a group or individual exercise or as a review resource.
Technical Requirements:: Requires SPSS (any version) and ability to read Microsoft Office (docx) files.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The exercises could be used to help students learn the principles of quantitative analysis with a focus on political and economic organizations -- military, education, banking, organized labor, congress, etc. Analysis examines confidence in various organizations and spending priorities. Students will gain practice using SPSS and interpreting data.
Target Student Population:: College-level, advanced high school.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Students should have some knowledge of SPSS, GSS, and statistical analysis. The author provides a link to an online introduction to SPSS.

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The author has simplified GSS so that it easier to use with introductory methods and statistics students. Resources include instructor’s notes, data files, student instructions, and excel spreadsheets showing where various relevant concepts are taught in which exercise. It engages students in conducting research on interesting topics.
Concerns:: Depending on the class/level of the students; the instructor might have to spend some time assisting students to complete the tasks. This could be assigned as an individual or group project.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: Students learn more effectively by doing. This offers students a "quick" introduction to analyzing secondary databases. The exercises build upon one another and are very detailed. There is even a (free!) online text on SPSS available through this website.
Concerns:: The instructor should determine if modifications are necessary for students. It is unclear what the learning objectives are or what prerequisite knowledge students need to complete the activities.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: This is part of resources available on the Social Science Research and Instructional Center's website. This site has a format for material that is easy to navigate and use. These exercises and data sets can be downloaded in word processing format and modified, distributed, or placed on a local server. This material is top-notch. The author simplifies GSS so beginning students can practice their SPSS skills without being overwhelmed by GSS or SPSS in the process.
Concerns:: Students may have difficulty navigating the site.

Other Issues and Comments:: None.
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