Basic Statistics For Social Sciences
- Social Sciences
- 200 level
- 3 credit units
- 161 pages
- 14 units
This course is designed for undergraduate students in political science and other social sciences, providing a foundational understanding of statistics. It covers basic statistical concepts, data collection methods, and presentation techniques relevant to political research. Students will learn to analyze contemporary issues using logical deductions, understand measures of central tendencies, and apply statistical theories. The course also explores probability, permutation, combination theories, and basic research methodologies.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Basic Mathematics
- Introduction to Political Science
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of POL212, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
POL212 · UNIT 1 DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE OF STATISTICS
This concept is characterised by being related to some numerical scale of measurement, any interval of which may, if desired, be subdivided into an infinite number of values, e.g. length, height, weight, temperature, volume and time.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain basic statistical concepts.
- Apply appropriate data collection methods.
- Present and interpret data using diagrams and graphs.
- Calculate and interpret measures of central tendency and dispersion.
- Understand and apply probability theories.
- Apply permutation and combination theories.
- Understand basic research methodologies.
What it prepares you for
- Data Analyst
- Market Researcher
- Political Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Social Researcher
- Government
- Market Research
- Political Campaigns
- Social Services
- Education
- Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS)
- Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 1: Probability Theory I
Requires strong understanding of set theory and logical reasoning to apply probability principles effectively.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Permutation Theorem
Involves complex calculations and understanding of different arrangements and orderings.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Definitions and Scope of Statistics · 2 hours
Read definitions of statistics and understand its scope.. Identify examples of statistical data.. Discuss the role of statistics in political science..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Approach to Data Collection · 2 hours
State the objects of statistical inquiry.. Explain how to plan data collection.. Discuss the techniques of data collection..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Concepts of Logic · 2 hours
Distinguish between statements and non-statements.. Use logic notations to represent statements.. Explain types of statements and write negations, converses, and inverses..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Introduction to Set Theory II · 2 hours
Understand set theory concepts.. Apply set operations.. Solve problems related to set theory..
- Week 5Module 1:
Unit 5: Concepts of Logic · 2 hours
Review logic concepts.. Practice logical reasoning.. Apply logic to social science problems..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Diagrammatic Presentation of Data · 2 hours
Present raw data in diagrammatic form.. Draw pictograms, bar charts, and pie charts.. Explain the best diagram for different data types..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Frequency Distribution · 2 hours
Differentiate between grouped and ungrouped frequency distributions.. Draw a frequency table for raw data.. Define terms associated with frequency distribution..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Graphical Presentation of Data · 2 hours
Present data using graphical methods.. Interpret graphical representations of data.. Understand different types of graphs and their uses..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: Measures of Central Tendency · 2 hours
Calculate the arithmetic mean.. Obtain the median of grouped and ungrouped distributions.. Calculate the mode..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: Measures of Dispersion I · 2 hours
Understand measures of dispersion.. Calculate range, variance, and standard deviation.. Interpret measures of dispersion..
- Week 11Module 2:
Unit 6: Measures of Dispersion II · 2 hours
Continue studying measures of dispersion.. Solve problems related to dispersion.. Apply dispersion measures to real-world data..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 1: Probability Theory I · 2 hours
Explain basic terms related to probability.. Solve problems of experimental and theoretical probability.. Understand axioms of probability..
Unit 2: Probability Theory II · 2 hours
Continue studying probability theory.. Solve more complex probability problems.. Apply probability concepts to social science scenarios..
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 3: Permutation Theorem · 2 hours
Calculate the factorial of a number.. Explain the concept of permutation.. Calculate arrangements of dissimilar and similar objects..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions and formulas from Units 1-6 thoroughly.
- Practice data presentation techniques from Module 2.
- Solve probability problems from Module 3 weekly.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 logic and set theory.
- Focus on research methodologies from Module 4.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.
- Allocate equal time to each module during revision.
- Practice past exam questions to improve speed and accuracy.
Questions students ask about this course
What is POL212 about?
This course is designed for undergraduate students in political science and other social sciences, providing a foundational understanding of statistics. It covers basic statistical concepts, data collection methods, and presentation techniques relevant to political research. Students will learn to analyze contemporary issues using logical deductions, understand measures of central tendencies, and apply statistical theories. The course also explores probability, permutation, combination theories, and basic research methodologies.
How many units does POL212 have?
POL212, Basic Statistics For Social Sciences, has 14 units across 4 modules, over 161 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is POL212?
POL212 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.
Is POL212 hard?
POL212 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does POL212 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is POL212 assessed?
POL212 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting POL212?
Basic Mathematics Introduction to Political Science
What can I do with POL212?
Data Analyst, Market Researcher, Political Analyst, Policy Analyst and Social Researcher.