03383 - Social Statistics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows and knows how to use the basic tools of quantitative analysis and verification of results in social research; - knows how to correctly interpret and critically evaluate the results of investigations that involve the use of statistical data analysis techniques.

Course contents

One of the tasks of social workers is to contribute - together with other professional figures - to the formulation of area plans, with the aim of getting to know the users of the territorial area of competence, mapping their needs and planning interventions and solutions. Therefore, this professional figure must be familiar with statistical social studies, understand how they work and know the correct application of the different statistical techniques.

To facilitate learning, the lessons are organized into a logical sequence:

1) basic concepts: property types and variable types; the operational definition; the hypothesis.

2) the statistical cycle of the research: the questionnaire; sampling; the statistical processing of data; graphic representations.

3) second level analysis: statistical sources; indicators; reading statistical data.

Readings/Bibliography

Corposanto C. (2002), Il ciclo statistico della ricerca sociale, FrancoAngeli, Milano.

Marradi A. (2007), Metodologia delle scienze sociali, il Mulino, Bologna. Capitolo 6 “Le colonne della matrice: dalle proprietà alle variabili. La fedeltà dei dati e l’attendibilità delle variabili” e capitolo 8 “Indicatori, validità e costruzione di indici”

Niero M. (2004), Metodi e tecniche di ricerca per il servizio sociale, Carocci, Roma. Capitolo 2 “L’analisi d’ambiente” (e Appendici); Capitolo 6 “La misura degli atteggiamenti e della qualità della vita”.

Teaching methods

Lectures.

During each lecture, the instructor will handle each topic in its essential components, with the support of PowerPoint slides and giving practical examples of research.

Within the download area of the course website, PowerPoint presentations will be available a week before each lessons (you can clearly identify file by topic and date).

It is recommended to print all lecture notes to facilitate the learning process. Please note that slides do not replace suggested books, they are a studyng support.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test on the statistical cycle of research, and an oral test on basic concepts and second level analysis.

The written test will take place in person via EOL and is made up of closed multiple choice questions.

The score of each test, from 0 to 30, will be made up of the sum of the points required for each correct answer. Wrong answers are not awarded points (nor do they subtract points from the total grade). To consider the written test passed, the student must achieve a score equal to or greater than 18/30.

The written test passed successfully remains valid until the make-up session scheduled for September 2025. Anyone who does not take (or pass) the oral exam will have to repeat the exam in full after that date.

As for the final oral exam, assessment criteria relate to three areas:

1. the ability of defining the subject and to develop it in its essential components;

2. accuracy in the discussion of the individual components of the topic;

3. mastery of expository style.

To pass the examination the exact execution of the first point is required.

The examination is the same for students attending and not attending, only the evaluation process is different.

ATTENDING STUDENTS are understood to be those who take the partial online written tests during the period of the lessons.

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS, those who have not taken or passed the partial test during the course of the lessons, will take the exam on the entire program in the sessions scheduled for the winter session and for the recovery session (September), and, to follow, the oral exam.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slide.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Cremonini