Social Statistics

Social statistics is the application of statistical methods to analyze and interpret data related to human society and social phenomena. It utilizes quantitative data gathered from sources such as surveys, censuses, and administrative records to investigate topics like demographics, public health, crime rates, education levels, and income inequality. The primary goal is to identify patterns, test theories about social life, and provide empirical evidence to inform public policy and address societal challenges.

1. Introduction to Social Statistics
   1. Defining Social Statistics
      1. Nature and Scope of Social Statistics
      2. Key Characteristics of Social Statistics
      3. Distinction from Other Types of Statistics
      4. Historical Development of Social Statistics
   2. The Role of Statistics in Social Science
      1. Purposes of Statistical Analysis in Social Research
      2. Applications in Sociology
      3. Applications in Psychology
      4. Applications in Political Science
      5. Applications in Economics
      6. Applications in Public Health
      7. Applications in Education Research
      8. Limitations of Statistical Methods
      9. Statistical Thinking vs. Mathematical Statistics
   3. The Research Process
      1. Theory and Research
         1. Role of Theory in Social Research
         2. Theoretical Frameworks and Paradigms
         3. Deductive Reasoning
         4. Inductive Reasoning
         5. Theory Testing vs. Theory Building
      2. Formulating Research Questions and Hypotheses
         1. Characteristics of Good Research Questions
         2. Exploratory Research Questions
         3. Descriptive Research Questions
         4. Explanatory Research Questions
         5. Types of Hypotheses
         6. Null and Alternative Hypotheses
         7. Directional and Non-directional Hypotheses
      3. The Scientific Method in Social Research
         1. Steps in the Scientific Method
         2. Cyclical Nature of Research
         3. Feedback Loops in Research
         4. Replication and Verification
   4. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
      1. Key Differences in Approach
      2. Strengths of Quantitative Research
      3. Limitations of Quantitative Research
      4. Strengths of Qualitative Research
      5. Limitations of Qualitative Research
      6. Mixed Methods Research
      7. Triangulation of Methods
   5. Ethical Considerations in Social Research
      1. Principles of Research Ethics
         1. Respect for Persons
         2. Beneficence
         3. Justice
      2. Informed Consent
         1. Elements of Informed Consent
         2. Obtaining Consent from Adults
         3. Obtaining Consent from Minors
         4. Consent in Online Research
         5. Waiver of Consent
      3. Confidentiality and Anonymity
         1. Protecting Participant Identity
         2. Data Storage and Security
         3. Data Sharing and Archiving
         4. Legal Obligations and Limits
      4. Institutional Review Boards
         1. Role and Function of IRBs
         2. The IRB Review Process
         3. Exempt vs. Expedited vs. Full Review
         4. Continuing Review Requirements