Peer Review

Data Analysis Exercises on Gun Issues

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Reviewed:: Jan 14, 2021 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The goal of these exercises is to introduce students to quantitative data analysis using a Pew Research Center survey that includes a series of questions on gun issues and many other topics. The exercises include an introduction to the scientific approach, two and three variable data analysis, and writing research reports. The exercises were written for PSPP, a free alternative to SPSS, but they could easily be used with SPSS. The focus of these exercises is on exploring why respondents have different views on protecting or controlling gun ownership. Users have permission to use these exercises and the data set and to revise them to fit their needs.

Type of Material:

Assignment
Assessment tool
Development tool
Learning object repository
Tutorial

Recommended Uses:

In-class
Homework
Individual assignment

Technical Requirements:

Web browser Document viewer (PDF, Word, Excel, or PowerPoint)
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) or PSPP (free program for statistical analysis)

Identify Major Learning Goals:

The student will be able to apply basic statistical operations using SPSS or PSPP
The student will be able to interpret statistical measures
The student will be able to evaluate the use of statistical measures in research
The student will be able to explain social opinions and patterns on gun issues

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

General numeracy.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

It is very thorough and approachable. The exercises are well-documented and contextualized. The textual material is engaging and detailed.

Concerns:

Samples of written analysis are not provided
Guidelines for writing about data are not included

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Self-directed (students may complete at their own pace)
The instructional approach scaffolds learning and statistical analysis experiences
Exercises are an effective tool to measure student learning
Each exercise aligns with basic statistical concepts required in introductory courses
Many courses could use this material with no adjustment at all

Concerns:

Students must concurrently or have prior experience using SPSS or PSPP to ensure progression and efficiency of learning statistical operations and tools

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

Exercises and software may be downloaded for offline use
Data sets provide practical applications of statistical measures and analysis
Learners are introduced to the usefulness of statistical software and significance of social research

Concerns:

Students must understand basic operations of SPSS or PSPP operating procedures

Other Issues and Comments:

Effective teaching tool for statistics and quantitative research method courses requiring computer data analysis
Inclusion of figures help guide learning and understanding

Creative Commons: